IIT Guwahati’s researchers develop pharmaceutical and food products from Tea Factory Waste

The developed technologies harness the potential of tea waste leading to the creation of new revenue streams within the local tea industry. The tea industry's waste-based value-added products will create new job opportunities and open wind of new start-ups and entrepreneurship opportunities among the rural youths.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) researchers have developed innovative technologies for sustainable and efficient utilization of tea waste from the tea industry. 

In line with the scope of the waste-to-wealth mission (W2W) of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA), Government of India, this research leverages a key regional resource to promote a more sustainable and diversified economy in the North Eastern states of India. The research will also fulfil the purpose of “Act East Policy” of Govt of India, “Advantages Assam” and “Biotechnology” policy of Govt of Assam.    

As per a recent study, tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide with world tea consumption reaching 6.3 million tonnes and is expected to rise to 7.4 million tonnes by 2025. This huge increase in tea consumption leads to an increase in industrial tea waste generation which leads to the non-utilization of valuable agricultural resources and the deterioration of the environment. Because of its high lignin and low inorganic content, efficient utilization of tea industry wastes demands scientifically advanced techniques. Addressing these waste utilization and management issues becomes paramount as it aligns with sustainable practices and innovative solutions, ensuring both industrial growth and ecological preservation. 

Addressing these issues, the research team led by Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, has carried out cutting edge research on the diversified application of tea factory waste to various pharmaceutical and foods products as an output of Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowships of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE). These carbonaceous pharmaceutical materials form the basis for a broad spectrum of application-based commodities.

Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, said, “The convenience and health benefits of catechin-based capsules open a promising avenue, offering users access to the advantages of catechins without the necessity of multiple cups of green tea. This caters to the increasing demand for antioxidant-rich supplements in our daily routines.” 

Prof. Purkait further added, “The lignin-rich spent tea leaves are transformed into activated carbon through a specialized reactor. This involves a dual-step procedure: first, carbonization, which converts lingo-cellulosic biomass into a carbon-rich matrix; then, activation, which creates a porous structure, enhancing adsorption properties for wide range of applications that includes, i) Food grade activated carbon as an alternative to synthetic food colorant to impart blackish, hues ii) natural based mild abrasive material in toiletries such as tooth paste and body washes, iii)) low density and light weight pharma-grade and chemically inert carbon as a pharmaceutical ingredient in solid-dosage forms as diluents, iv) non-selective adsorptive properties of microporous carbon used in anti-pollution masks and as a deodorant in socks, v) used in packaging to prevent moisture assisted degradation or spoilages etc.” 

The commercial potential of these products is substantial. For instance, the demand for catechin-based health supplements and organic preservatives is on the rise among health-conscious consumers and food processing companies.

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