NewzVille Desk
Scientists at the CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, have come out with a bottle that could be an alternative to the ubiquitous plastic bottle, widely used for packaging drinking water and beverages. The researchers have combined biodegradable polymers with agricultural resources in an effort to reduce dependence on conventional plastics-based packaging for beverages, edible oils, personal care products, household cleaners, and herbal and wellness products. The technology can be employed for production of polymer pellets, preforms and bottles, hence offering opportunities for MSMEs, start-ups and established packaging manufacturers as well. The bottle degrades in approximately six months on earth under natural conditions.
The product is on display at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) stall in the exhibition in connection with the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2026.
According to Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram the development of sustainable packaging materials is an important step towards addressing the growing challenge of plastic pollution while enabling a transition to circular bio-economy.
Bio-polymer-based bottle technology of CSIR-NIIST demonstrates the potential of ‘materials science’ to deliver sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. This Technology, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging. Developed using renewable plant-based resources, the technology enables production of rigid, transparent bottles designed for biodegradability and compostability. Potential feedstocks include corn, sugarcane, cassava and sugar beet, creating opportunities for value-addition to agricultural resources.
A key advantage of the technology is its compatibility with existing PET bottle-manufacturing infrastructure, enabling the manufacturers to explore adoption with minimal modifications to their production lines. The bottles have potential applications in the packaging of drinking water, juices, milk and plant-based beverages, edible oils, personal care products, household cleaners, and herbal and wellness products. The technology can be employed for production of polymer pellets, preforms and bottles, hence offering opportunities for MSMEs, start-ups and established packaging manufacturers as well.
The product was developed under CSIR’s Sustainable Packaging Mission, meant to replace conventional plastic packaging with viable alternatives. Work on the bottle began about two years ago and it is ready for technology transfer. CSIR-NIIST proposes to offer licenses to MSMEs on non-exclusive basis to ensure that the technology benefits reach out to a larger cross section of people across the country.
