Amazon, IIT Roorkee turn agri-waste into recyclable paper mailers

INDIA – Amazon has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee to develop biodegradable and recyclable paper mailers made from agricultural waste, in a move that tackles both plastic packaging reduction and the persistent problem of stubble burning.

India generates an estimated 500 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually, much of which is burned after harvest, contributing to severe air pollution.

Through a 15-month research project, Amazon and IIT Roorkee aim to convert crop residues such as wheat straw and sugarcane waste into high-quality paper packaging, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic mailers and virgin wood pulp-based paper.

The project focuses on developing lightweight yet durable paper mailers that are recyclable and home-compostable.

By using agricultural residues instead of freshly cut timber, the initiative is expected to ease pressure on forests while reducing India’s reliance on imported virgin wood pulp.

The partners also see a socio-economic upside, as creating a market for crop waste could generate additional income streams for farmers.

“At Amazon, we are building and managing India’s fastest, safest, and most reliable operations network, and we’re committed to making it more sustainable,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India.

“As part of this effort, we’re partnering with IIT Roorkee to develop innovative packaging from crop residue.”

The collaboration aligns with Amazon’s broader efforts to reduce plastic use across its Indian operations, where the company has already rolled out paper-based cushioning, corrugated packaging, and recyclable mailers for millions of shipments.

Industry observers note that agri-waste-based paper could play a significant role in scaling sustainable e-commerce packaging in price-sensitive markets like India, provided it meets performance and cost requirements.

The initiative also builds on IIT Roorkee’s growing body of research in sustainable packaging and food systems.

In March last year, researchers at the institute developed an eco-friendly packaging solution capable of extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by up to one week.

Led by Prof. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad and PhD scholar Pradeep Kumar from the Department of Paper Technology, the innovation uses a 100% natural ethylene scavenger derived from modified clay minerals.

Ethylene is a natural plant hormone that accelerates ripening and often leads to premature spoilage of fresh produce.

Conventional ethylene scavengers typically rely on synthetic chemicals such as potassium permanganate, which raise health and environmental concerns.

IIT Roorkee’s approach replaces these with naturally abundant, cost-effective clay minerals that safely absorb ethylene gas, improving food preservation without introducing harmful substances.

Together, the two projects highlight how Indian research institutions and global corporations are increasingly collaborating to address packaging sustainability from multiple angles – reducing plastic use, cutting carbon emissions, minimizing food waste, and supporting circular economy models.

As India tightens its stance on single-use plastics and air pollution, solutions that transform agricultural waste into value-added packaging materials could gain momentum, offering scalable pathways for cleaner supply chains in e-commerce, food, and consumer goods.

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