CSIR‑NIIST signs MoU with Mridaa Polymers to commercialise biodegradable packaging

CSIR‑National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR‑NIIST) inked a memorandum of understanding with Pune‑based start‑up Mridaa Polymers to bring engineered fibre‑reinforced PBAT composite pellets to market, an announcement made at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026 in New Delhi in the presence of Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. The institute also showcased a bio‑polymer‑based bottle technology that uses renewable plant feedstocks such as corn, sugarcane, cassava or sugar beet to produce rigid, transparent bottles that are biodegradable and compostable. The bottles can be processed on existing PET bottle‑making lines, allowing factories to adopt them with minimal changes. Applications mentioned include drinking water, beverages, edible oils, personal care items, household cleaners and herbal‑wellness products, and the technology is ready for commercial scale‑up. The PBAT composite pellets can be used with conventional techniques like extrusion blow moulding, injection moulding, thermoforming and compression moulding to create semi‑rigid and flexible biodegradable containers. Director C. Anandharamakrishnan said the developments address plastic‑pollution challenges and support a transition to a circular bio‑economy. ## Context The bio‑polymer bottles and PBAT composites aim to replace conventional petroleum‑based plastics with materials that break down naturally, reducing landfill waste and supporting sustainable use of agricultural resources.