CSIR‑NIIST rolls out plant‑based bottle and biodegradable PBAT packaging at Delhi conclave

CSIR‑NIIST has introduced a plant‑based bottle that can replace conventional PET packaging, unveiled at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave 2026 in New Delhi. The Bio‑Polymer‑Based Bottle Technology uses renewable feedstocks such as corn, sugarcane, cassava or sugar beet. The bottles are rigid, transparent, designed to biodegrade and compost after use. CSIR‑NIIST says the material works with existing PET bottle‑making lines, so factories need only minor adjustments. Potential uses include drinking water, other beverages, edible oils, personal‑care items, household cleaners and herbal‑wellness products. The institute claims the technology is ready for commercial scale‑up.

Commercialisation

The institute also created engineered fibre‑reinforced PBAT composite pellets for semi‑rigid and flexible packaging under the CSIR Mission Mode Project “Sustainable Packaging Solutions for a Net Zero Future.” The ready‑to‑use pellets can be processed by standard techniques such as extrusion blow moulding, injection moulding, thermoforming and compression moulding to make biodegradable bottles and containers. On Wednesday, CSIR‑NIIST signed a memorandum of understanding with Pune‑based start‑up Mridaa Polymers to commercialise the PBAT composites, with Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh present. Director C. Anandharamakrishnan said the move tackles growing plastic‑pollution problems and pushes India toward a circular bio‑economy.

Context

Biodegradable alternatives help cut the huge plastic waste that ends up in landfills and waterways. Using agricultural crops for packaging creates a new market for farmers and reduces reliance on fossil‑based plastics.