Coconut Leaf Straw: Bengaluru Professor’s Innovation Is Now Global Brand

< img src="https://thelogicalindian.com/h-upload/2020/09/22/182135-english-professor-web.jpg"> A Bengaluru professor has actually established a straw out of coconut leaves. Prof Saji Varghese who teaches English at the Christ University took the coconut leaves to a laboratory and steamed it under high pressure to discover it developed a natural shiny layer under heat. He chose to change the common plastic straw with an organic alternative.The invention has actually

used a brand-new lease of life to rural women in seaside regions. Varghese’s innovation could be a game-changer, especially at a time when plastic menace has gotten pandemic proportions.The concept first came to him when he was strolling back home from college and identified a dry leaf.”I picked it up and observed that the dry leaf had actually folded, offering it the shape of a straw, “stated the teacher.” I experimented with it

for a few months and developed a single-layered straw by binding it with food-grade glue. However it wasn’t extremely tough. ” reported The Times Of India When he discovered that the straws were not strong enough, he started experimenting on how to improve the model. Lastly, in 2018, Varghese effectively established a multi-layered straw out of coconut leaf. His organic development was not just anti-fungal but also was water-resistant for more than 6 hours, with a shelf life of over 12 months.In the start, the straws were produced by utilizing standard machinery. Three units in towns in Madurai, Tuticorin and Kasargod districts were set up for the production procedure to begin. Apart from being sustainable for the environment, it likewise provided work to rural women.The teacher’s naturally degradable alternative paid off instantly as food services purchased for the straws he marketed under the brand, SunBird. Within a year, he was flooded with orders from abroad as well. The straws are now being exported to 25 nations, including the US, Australia and EU nations. “I received a patent for the item in Might and have now begun producing it on a big scale.

The concept is to offer a livelihood to the city poor and rural females, generally in seaside regions of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Work is underway to establish 20 more units,”he said.The development has actually won him Swadeshi Startup award 2018 from IIT Delhi, Swiss Re Shine Business owner award and Climate Launchpad Award 2018 for social impact from Scotland. The straws are priced at 5 per piece. Such innovations are not just sustainable for our environment but also press work opportunities in rural areas.: Myanmar: Buddhist Monk Begins Upcycling Drive To Deal With Plastic Waste Generated During Pandemic