GUWAHATI: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have unveiled groundbreaking technologies aimed at efficiently utilising waste generated by the tea industry. This research aligns with the Waste to Wealth mission (W2W) of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) under the Indian Government, with a focus on leveraging regional resources to foster a more sustainable and diversified economy in the North Eastern states of India.
According to recent studies, tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages globally, with worldwide tea consumption reaching 6.3 million tonnes and projected to rise to 7.4 million tonnes by 2025. This surge in tea consumption results in increased industrial tea waste production, leading to the underutilisation of valuable agricultural resources and environmental degradation.
To tackle these issues, a research team led by Prof. Mihir Kumar Purkait from the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Guwahati has conducted cutting-edge research on the diverse applications of tea factory waste. This research is an outcome of the Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowships offered by the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
The carbonaceous pharmaceutical materials developed in their laboratory have paved the way for a wide range of application-based products. The innovative value-added products developed at IIT Guwahati include:
• Low-cost antioxidant-rich supplements designed to promote an affordable and healthier lifestyle by harnessing the potential properties of green tea.
• Organic preservatives derived from green tea, redefining food preservation by extending the shelf life of vegetable and fruit juices for up to one year, effectively reducing waste and ensuring long-lasting freshness.
• Pharmaceutical super-grade activated carbon with exceptional surface area, making it an incredibly versatile product in pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
• Biochar produced from waste, contributing significantly to waste reduction and environmental restoration, including carbon sequestration.
• Liquefiable carbon sources for pharmaceutical applications, promising innovative solutions in the future of medicine.
• Micro and nano-crystalline cellulose tailored for intelligent packaging, meeting the evolving demands of modern consumers and industries.
• Carbon quantum dots currently being explored for their sensing potential in detecting harmful contaminants in water bodies.
The commercial potential of these products is significant, with increasing demand for catechin-based health supplements and organic preservatives among health-conscious consumers and food processing companies. The immediate future plans for the project involve advancing toward an advanced Pilot stage (TRL-7), leading to the imminent Transfer of Technology (ToT) phase with potential industry partners.