Overview

• NatureWrks Technologies has been established by IIT Madras researchers led by Dr. Lakshminath Kundanati to bring lab prototypes to market
• Prototypes grown on agricultural and paper waste using Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus deliver compressive strength up to ten times that of EPS
• Laboratory tests show the mycelium composites are lightweight, water-resistant and fully compostable, positioning them as viable alternatives to plastic foams
• Ongoing work at NatureWrks focuses on optimizing substrate blends and natural coatings to extend shelf life and enhance performance for real-world packaging
• The initiative tackles India’s annual 350 million tonnes of agricultural waste and 4 million tonnes of plastic waste by creating a circular-economy solution with potential rural income benefits