Friday, 6 June 2025
Developed within IIT Mandi Catalyst’s innovation ecosystem and backed by the Department of Science and Technology’s NIDHI program, UKHI’s EcoGran represents a major scientific advancement in sustainable materials in India. This farm waste-derived biopolymer aims to transform plastic usage, enhance farmers’ earnings, and curb environmental pollution
On June 5, 2025, Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi witnessed a landmark moment in India’s cleantech journey as UKHI, a rising leader in sustainable innovation, launched EcoGran. With the bold tagline, “The next big thing isn’t made from oil—it’s made from farm waste,” the launch symbolized a pivotal shift toward eco-friendly materials and circular economy solutions.
The event was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science & Technology, as Chief Guest, and officially inaugurated by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology. Distinguished guests included the Ambassadors of the Netherlands and Denmark, Marisa Gerards and H.E. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen respectively, alongside Anita Gupta, Head of Climate, Energy & Sustainable Technology (CEST), and Anil Singh, GM of IIT Mandi Catalyst.
India faces severe environmental challenges, including the generation of three million metric tons of plastic waste annually—equivalent to 25,000 Boeing 747 airplanes. Single-use plastics pollute 90 percent of India’s major rivers, and stubble burning causes approximately $30 billion in health and environmental costs each year in North India. Globally, one truck-load of plastic enters the oceans every minute, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Developed within IIT Mandi Catalyst’s innovation ecosystem and supported by DST’s NIDHI program, UKHI’s EcoGran marks a groundbreaking scientific achievement in sustainable materials. It converts crop residue into durable, biodegradable bioplastic, effectively eliminating harmful stubble burning. EcoGran also boosts farmer incomes by Rs 15,000 per acre, fostering rural economic growth. Costing 30 percent less than imported bioplastics, it exemplifies ‘Make in India’ with an environmentally friendly focus, and is the result of collaborative research involving IITs and IIMs.
Anil Singh, GM of IIT Mandi Catalyst, highlighted the importance of this innovation, stating that DST’s incubators like IIT Mandi Catalyst empower startups such as UKHI to create transformative solutions. He emphasized that EcoGran embodies Atmanirbhar Bharat by converting harmful farm waste into valuable resources, paving the way for a plastic-free India.
Held under the theme “TATWA – Transforming Air, Temperature, Water through Climate Actions,” the launch brought together academia, government, and entrepreneurs, showcasing India’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Economically, EcoGran is projected to generate over 500 green jobs within the next 30 months, with a production capacity expected to reach 100,000 tonnes annually by 2030. The innovation is supported by 100 percent Indian intellectual property, with patents already filed, and taps into a global bioeconomy opportunity valued at $10 trillion.
Environmentally, EcoGran promotes a circular economy by converting waste into wealth. It valorizes agricultural waste to end stubble burning, supports clean river initiatives by reducing plastic pollution, and lowers the carbon footprint through sustainable packaging.
EcoGran is a game changer because it benefits farmers by ending waste burning, improving air quality, and providing additional income. It offers industry a scalable and affordable eco-friendly plastic alternative and positions India as a global leader in sustainable materials.
The Department of Science & Technology’s Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology division has played a vital role in nurturing this innovation through its incubation ecosystem. The launch aligns with India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and reinforces the government’s plastic waste management policies.
Looking ahead, EcoGran represents more than just a product launch; it marks the beginning of India’s environmental transformation. With support from prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institute of Packaging, NSRCEL – IIM Bangalore, ICAR Pusa, and DST’s innovation infrastructure, EcoGran is poised to redefine sustainable manufacturing and circular economy practices in India.
