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Bambusa tulda–based innovation set to replace plastic, wood, and metal in automotive interiors at competitive cost

In a breakthrough that merges sustainability with engineering innovation, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati have developed a next-generation bamboo composite designed for automotive interiors. The eco-friendly material, made from Bambusa tulda—a fast-growing bamboo species native to Northeast India—and reinforced with bio-based epoxy, could redefine how vehicles are built in a climate-conscious era.

Led by Dr. Poonam Kumari, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the IIT Guwahati team created the composite by alkali-treating bamboo fibres to improve their bonding with a biodegradable polymer known as FormuLite. The resulting material shows impressive strength, thermal stability, and low moisture absorption—key criteria for automotive use. With a projected cost of Rs 4,300 per kilogram, the composite rivals conventional plastic, wood, and metal components on price while offering significant environmental advantages.

“This is not just a material innovation; it’s a strategic leap toward decarbonising India’s manufacturing supply chains,” said Dr. Kumari. “We envision applications beyond automobiles—extending into consumer electronics, aerospace components, and sustainable construction.”

The research, published in Environment, Development and Sustainability (Springer Nature), was co-authored by Dr. Kumari along with research scholars Abir Saha and Nikhil Dilip Kulkarni. The team developed four distinct formulations of bamboo composites using both bio-based and petroleum-based epoxies. Each was rigorously tested across 17 industrial parameters including tensile strength, thermal resistance, impact absorption, water permeability, and cost-efficiency.

To evaluate trade-offs across these variables, the researchers employed Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM)—a structured method often used in industrial innovation pipelines. The analysis identified the Bambusa tulda + FormuLite formulation as the top performer, particularly in terms of moisture resistance, temperature stability, and mechanical durability.

This innovation aligns closely with India’s Make in India and Green Tech Revolution frameworks. It also directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Looking ahead, the research team is conducting a full life cycle assessment (LCA) of the developed composite to quantify its cradle-to-grave environmental footprint. Efforts are also underway to scale up production using advanced industrial techniques such as compression moulding and resin transfer moulding—bringing the lab-to-market journey within reach.

If commercialized at scale, the bamboo composite could significantly reduce the automotive industry’s dependence on petrochemical plastics, cutting carbon emissions while tapping into India’s abundant natural resource base. The innovation also holds promise for rural livelihoods, particularly in bamboo-growing regions of the Northeast.

“We are building a material for the future—one that answers to climate, cost, and circularity,” added Dr. Kumari.

In a time when automotive OEMs are under mounting pressure to adopt sustainable materials, IIT Guwahati’s bamboo composite signals a credible and scalable solution made entirely in India.