A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the two Nagpur-based premier institutes on Friday. The initiative aims to foster scientific innovation and collaborative research for sustainable development.
Under this collaboration, VNIT will focus on the formulation, material design, and sustainable development of biopolymer-based packaging films, incorporating orange peel-derived bioactive compounds into chitosan-alginate matrices.
ICAR-CCRI will undertake quality analysis, microbial assessment, and shelf-life evaluation of the developed packaging systems on various citrus and horticultural produce.
The collaboration highlights the innovative use of citrus waste, particularly sweet orange peel, as a renewable, functional additive in food-grade packaging materials.
The research is expected to contribute to circular economy goals by promoting sustainable agri-waste utilisation and reducing environmental pollution caused by plastic waste.