India’s CSIR unveils National Mission on sustainable packaging

INDIA – The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a leading national research and development organization in India, has launched the National Mission on Sustainable Packaging Solutions program.

This initiative aims to achieve a net-zero future through advanced and integrated innovations, leveraging the collective strengths of eight CSIR labs and industry partners.

Led by the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), the mission was unveiled by Dr. N Kalaiselvi, secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and director general of the CSIR.

Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “Though packaging represents the fifth contributor to the Indian economy, it has been chiefly neglected in terms of concerted R&D efforts channeling scientific advancements towards sustainable and comprehensive solutions.

“This is why CSIR has decided to prioritize this challenge and deliver tangible outputs in terms of new processes, products, and technologies.”

Funded by the CSIR, the program aims to develop comprehensive solutions for sustainable packaging demands.

This includes materials development, innovative recycling and reuse methods, and advanced testing and monitoring facilities.

The mission plans to explore alternatives to multilayer packaging, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glass bottles, and new biobased and biodegradable materials. It also seeks to create an integrated solution for smart packaging in the food industry.

A significant goal of the mission is to establish the country’s first biodegradability testing and monitoring center.

The program will address microplastics and packaging waste utilization issues and introduce a blockchain-based traceability solution for the packaging industry.

During the event, plant-based leather products using domestically produced technologies developed by NIIST were launched, marking a step towards sustainable alternatives in the packaging sector.

Dr. C Anandharamakrishnan, director of CSIR-NIIST and coordinator of the National Mission on Sustainable Packaging, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the mission, stating, “Quite a big team of researchers and industries will be taking the project forward to bring out a few products and technologies for sustainable packaging within the time frame set for that.

“We have set an ambitious delivery plan that includes Indigenous and reliable alternatives to multilayer packaging as well as PET and glass bottles that could revolutionize the beverages industry, and make available new biobased and biodegradable packaging materials, and an integrated solution for smart packaging in the food industry.”

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