14 December 2024 | Roorkee, India: In a remarkable innovation, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have created edible straws made from barnyard millets, offering a healthier and more sustainable alternative to plastic and paper straws. This effort, led by research scholar Miss Tejaswini Dhanaji Patil under the guidance of Prof. Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad from the Functional Food Packaging Lab, Paper Technology Department, addresses two critical challenges: reducing plastic waste and offering a safer, eco-friendly option for everyday use.
While paper straws have become a popular alternative to plastic, recent studies have shown that they may contain harmful chemicals known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” These substances are used to make paper straws water-resistant but can persist in the environment and pose health risks. In contrast, IIT Roorkee’s millet-based straws are entirely biodegradable, chemical-free, and even edible, making them a groundbreaking innovation in the fight against single-use plastic pollution.
This innovation directly supports national missions such as “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, aligning with the government’s efforts to minimize plastic waste and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, by incorporating barnyard millets, the initiative contributes to the “International Year of Millets 2023” campaign, which highlights the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets.
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.”
The millet-based straws developed by IIT Roorkee combine eco-friendliness, safety, durability, and nutritional value into a single innovative product. Being fully biodegradable, they leave no harmful residues, ensuring a cleaner environment. Unlike traditional straws, these are chemical-free and safe to consume, offering a unique edible alternative. Their durability matches that of conventional straws, maintaining structure even in liquids, while also being enriched with the health benefits of barnyard millets. This innovation not only promotes sustainability but also adds a nutritional edge, making it a game-changer in reducing 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. Miss 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.”
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.”
The millet-based edible straws signify a pivotal moment in reimagining single-use products. They reinforce IIT Roorkee’s legacy of transformative research that bridges technology, sustainability, and social impact.
This groundbreaking innovation sets a new standard for replacing single-use plastics while creating a ripple effect of positive change—from reducing environmental damage to empowering rural farming communities. As a small yet powerful step, these straws embody the institute’s mission to inspire individuals and industries alike to adopt sustainable practices for a cleaner, healthier planet.
With this development, IIT Roorkee once again demonstrates its role as a leader in research-driven solutions, paving the way for significant contributions to global environmental sustainability and public health. The millet-based straws are not just a product but a testament to how innovative thinking can inspire meaningful action toward a better tomorrow.