Chaitanya Dubey, who runs IIT Kanpur-incubated startup Kinoko Biotech, evolved a biodegradable thermocol selection the use of mushroom mycelium and agricultural waste. Here is the way it works.
Whether or not it’s for events, faculty initiatives, or packaging wishes, thermocol has been broadly used for its availability and light-weight belongings. However amid its standard packages, customers generally tend to forget the damaging results brought about by means of it. Composed of polystyrene, thermocol turns into non-biodegradable and produces damaging air pollution when uncovered to daylight.
Kanpur’s Chaitanya Dubey discovered a novel biodegradable selection to standard thermocol the use of mushroom mycelium and agricultural waste.
Chaitanya says his eco-friendly resolution is lighter and sturdier, and has the similar really feel because the polystyrene. “Relating to energy, it compares favourably to high-density thermocol; alternatively, weight-wise, it leans slightly at the heavier aspect,” he provides.
Speaking concerning the components used to create the opposite, he explains, “Mycelium, or the roots of the mushroom, serves as a herbal adhesive. Moreover, we utilise a mixture of agricultural waste and herbal fibres, contributing to the sturdiness and longevity of the thermocol. The inherent homes of mushrooms make for a strong subject material.”
This biodegradable thermocol additionally doubles up as a fertiliser and decomposes in 60-90 days. “As soon as its objective is fulfilled, simply overwhelm it and upload it for your plant pots; it’ll act as a herbal fertiliser,” he stocks including that the product is now out there to packaging companies.
It was once whilst pursuing a small industry path that Chaitanya were given excited by mushroom farming and came upon its possible. With steerage from IIT Kanpur, he introduced his startup ‘Kinoko Biotech’ to make bio-materials from mushrooms.
“With this, inexperienced innovation, I’m hoping to offer other folks the chance to give a contribution definitely in opposition to the surroundings,” he stocks.
Watch this video to be informed extra about this eco-friendly thermocol:
Edited by means of Pranita Bhat