IIT Roorkee Innovates with Millet-Based Edible Straws for Sustainable Future

IIT Roorkee is combating plastic waste by introducing millet-based edible straws, offering a healthier and more eco-friendly alternative for the planet.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have developed edible straws made from barnyard millets, providing a healthier and more sustainable alternative to plastic and paper straws. Led by research scholar Tejaswini Dhanaji Patil and guided by Prof. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad from the Functional Food Packaging Lab in the Paper Technology Department, this initiative tackles two key challenges: reducing plastic waste and offering a safer, eco-friendly option for daily use.

Millet-Based Straws

IIT Roorkee's millet-based straws are fully biodegradable, chemical-free, and edible, marking a pioneering step in the battle against single-use plastic pollution. This innovation aligns with national initiatives like the "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat," supporting the government's efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices. Furthermore, by using barnyard millets, the project contributes to the "International Year of Millets 2023" campaign, which emphasizes the nutritional and environmental advantages of millets.

IIT Roorkee's millet-based straws seamlessly blend eco-friendliness, safety, durability, and nutritional value into one innovative product. Fully biodegradable, they leave no harmful residues, ensuring a cleaner environment. Unlike traditional straws, these are chemical-free and safe to consume, offering an edible alternative. Their durability rivals that of conventional straws, maintaining their structure even in liquids, while also providing the health benefits of barnyard millets. This breakthrough not only promotes sustainability but also introduces a nutritional advantage, making it a transformative solution in the fight against single-use plastic waste.

The millet straws are durable enough to hold their structure in liquids while being enriched with the nutritional benefits of barnyard millets. Tejaswini Dhanaji Patil shared, “Our aim was to create something that goes beyond just functionality. By integrating the richness of millets into the design, we’ve crafted a product that embodies the essence of sustainability and nutrition. This innovation redefines how everyday items can contribute to a healthier planet.”

Prof. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad explained, "These millet straws are designed to decompose naturally, leaving no environmental footprint. Their chemical-free composition ensures safety for consumers, while their durability offers the same convenience as traditional straws. This innovation showcases IIT Roorkee’s commitment to practical, health-focused solutions for global challenges like plastic pollution."

Highlighting the significance of this achievement, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, remarked, “At IIT Roorkee, we strive to foster innovations that address critical global challenges while leveraging India’s rich heritage and resources. The millet-based straws developed by our researchers are a shining example of how modern science and traditional wisdom can come together to create impactful, eco-friendly solutions. This is not just a product; it is a step toward reducing plastic dependency and promoting a healthier, sustainable future.”

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