In a breakthrough for sustainable packaging, a team from IIT Roorkee has developed India’s first biodegradable and edible cup made from Kodo millet — a drought-resistant and nutrient-rich grain. The innovation, which significantly reduces plastic waste and carbon footprint, is the result of a collaboration between Bhushan Meshram, a master’s student in packaging technology; Prachi Jain, a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow (PMRF); and Professor Kirtiraj Gaikwad from the Department of Paper and Packaging Technology.
The Kodo millet-based cup is designed to be a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging. It is not only biodegradable but also serves as a complementary food source, making it an ideal solution for packaging consumables. "Our goal was to develop an environmentally friendly packaging solution that also delivers nutritional benefits. The edible cup is a step forward in addressing both plastic pollution and food sustainability," said Bhushan Meshram.
Prachi Jain highlighted the broader impact of their innovation, stating that it could transform the food packaging industry by integrating sustainability with nutrition.
This development aligns with India's growing focus on millet-based solutions. Earlier, in September 2023, IIT Roorkee had also made headlines for creating water-resistant paper using plant-based coatings, under the guidance of Professor Gaikwad. His continued efforts reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the sustainability and functionality of food packaging.
The innovation comes at a time when India is actively promoting millets. At the World Food India 2023 event in New Delhi, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) underscored the nutritional value of millets under the Eat Right India initiative. Coinciding with this momentum, an international millet convention is currently underway in Odisha, with the theme: “Millets – Ancient Grains for Modern Challenges.”
With innovations like the Kodo millet edible cup, IIT Roorkee is making notable strides toward sustainable, health-conscious packaging solutions for the future.