Marking a transformative stride towards sustainable innovation, UKHI launched its pioneering biopolymer, EcoGran, at Vigyan Bhawan on World Environment Day 2025. This breakthrough technology, crafted from farm waste rather than fossil fuels, signals a new era in India’s cleantech journey.
The launch event was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Science & Technology, as Chief Guest, with the inauguration led by Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science & Technology. Distinguished dignitaries including Ms. Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Netherlands; H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark; Mrs. Anita Gupta, Head of Climate, Energy & Sustainable Technology (CEST) and Mr. Anil Singh, GM of IIT Mandi Catalyst, were also present.
World Environment Day: Addressing a Critical Environmental Crisis
India confronts a serious environmental challenge:
- Annual plastic waste generation reaches 9.3 million metric tons, comparable to 25,000 Boeing 747 airplanes
- 90% of major Indian rivers suffer from choking single-use plastics
- Stubble burning in North India causes $30 billion in health and environmental damages every year
- Globally, one truck-load of plastic waste enters oceans every minute
EcoGran: Transforming Agricultural Waste into Economic & Environmental Gold
Emerging from the innovative ecosystem of IIT Mandi Catalyst, an incubator supported by DST’s National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) – EcoGran stands as India’s cutting-edge solution to plastic pollution and rural distress:
- Converts crop residues into strong, biodegradable plastics, eliminating harmful stubble burning
- Boosts farmer incomes by ₹15,000 per acre, revitalizing rural economies
- Priced 30% lower than imported bioplastics, blending ‘Make in India’ with planetary stewardship
- Developed through collaborative research between IIT and IIM
Celebrating Homegrown Innovation
Mr. Anil Singh, GM of IIT Mandi Catalyst, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough: “DST’s incubators like IIT Mandi Catalyst empower startups such as UKHI to create impactful solutions. EcoGran exemplifies Atmanirbhar Bharat where sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand, turning farm waste into valuable resources to realize a plastic-free India.”
The launch ceremony, themed TATWA – Transforming Air, Temperature and Water through Climate Actions brought together leaders from academia, government and industry, underscoring India’s robust innovation ecosystem.
Impact in Numbers
Economic Impact
- Over 500 green jobs expected within 30 months
- Production capacity of 100,000 tonnes annually by 2030
- 100% Indian intellectual property with patents filed
- Access to a global bioeconomy market worth $10 trillion
Environmental Impact
- Circular economy model converting waste to wealth
- Elimination of stubble burning through agricultural waste valorization
- Cleaner rivers through plastic pollution reduction
- Lower carbon footprint via sustainable packaging solutions
Why EcoGran is a Game-Changer
- Farmers benefit: No more burning waste, cleaner air and new income streams
- Industry benefits: Affordable, scalable eco-alternative to conventional plastics
- India benefits: A pioneering blueprint for global sustainable material leadership
Government’s Vision Realized
DST’s Climate, Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division has played a pivotal role in fostering this innovation through comprehensive incubation support. The launch resonates with India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative and strict plastic waste regulations.
A Sustainable Path Forward
EcoGran’s debut is more than a product launch, it marks the dawn of India’s environmental revolution. Supported by premier institutions including the Indian Institute of Packaging, NSRCEL – IIM Bangalore, ICAR-IARI Pusa Krishi and DST’s innovation framework, UKHI’s biopolymer is set to redefine sustainable manufacturing in India.