By CSIR Director General Dr Kalaiselvi unveils project, to be lead by CSIR-NIIST
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) today launched a National Mission on Sustainable Packaging solutions aimed at net-zero future by developing indigenous, advanced and integrated innovations, leveraging the combined strengths of its affiliate laboratories across the country and onboarding industry partners.
The ambitious programme, which is led by CSIR-NIIST, was unveiled by Dr N Kalaiselvi, Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Director General of CSIR, at a kick-off event on the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) campus at Pappanamcode in the city. The event was also coincided with the launch of Golden Jubilee Curtain Raiser of CSIR-NIIST.
The programme, funded by CSIR, aims to develop a comprehensive solution for sustainable packaging demands, including development of packaging materials, innovative and smart recycling and reuse methods to turn the packaging industry, smart, affordable and reliable with advanced testing and monitoring facilities.
Chairing a meeting of scientists, technicians and industries to mark the occasion, Dr. Kalaiselvi said, “Though Packaging represents the fifth contributor to Indian economy, it has mostly been neglected with regard to concerted R&D efforts in channelizing scientific advancements towards sustainable and comprehensive solutions. This is why CSIR has decided to take up this challenge as a priority and deliver tangible outputs in terms of new processes, products and technologies.”
CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, has been assigned the responsibility of coordinating the project that involves a consortium of eight partnering CSIR labs and several industry partners.
On the occasion, Dr Kalaiselvi also launched the logo for the Golden Jubilee of NIIST, signaling premier events to be organized on the campus in 2025 to mark its 50 years of commendable achievements.
Director of CSIR-NIIST, Dr C Anandharamakrishnan, who is the coordinator of the National Mission on Sustainable Packaging, said “Quite a big team of researchers and industries will be taking the project forward, with the objective of bringing 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 multi-layer packaging as well as PET and glass bottles that could revolutionize the beverages industry, make available new bio-based and biodegradable packaging materials, an integrated solution for smart packaging in food industry,” Dr Anandharamakrishnan said.
The project will also see the establishment of the country’s pioneering biodegradability testing and monitoring center,” he added.
Dr Harish, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIIST; Dr K V Radhakrishnan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIIST; and Dr P Nishy, Chief Scientist & Head, Business Development Division, CSIR-NIIST, were also present.
Packaging plays a significant role in ensuring the integrity and safety during the handling, transportation or storage of products.
Developing sustainable packaging solutions is aligned with the country’s goal of achieving self-reliance and market leadership in global packaging domain. Sustainable packaging can curb greenhouse gas emissions and mobilize effective waste management solutions.
Re-imaging packaging R&D is critical to achieve sustainability in packaging industry since conventional methods that use materials like plastic, paper, glass or metal, are all non-sustainable in many ways.
The project aims at reducing the ecological footprint and environmental impact, while assuring a customer-centric approach in everyday packaging demands, at a time when industries are turning to sustainable alternatives.
Though scattered technologies are available, Indian market is largely unexposed to indigenous, advanced and integrated innovations in sustainable packaging.
The project will also address fundamental issues related to microplastics and migrants from packaging components, packaging waste utilization and a block-chain based traceability solution for packaging industry.
Plant-based leather products using indigenous technologies developed by NIIST were launched during the event. CSIR-NIIST also exchanged MoUs with Tata Elxsi, Adayar Cancer Research Institute and Olusium Technologies in Advanced Research Pvt. Ltd. for establishing collaborations in early detection of various types of cancer.
