Bengaluru: Amazon India on Wednesday announced a collaboration with IIT-Roorkee to develop sustainable and eco-friendly packaging materials from agricultural waste, aimed at reducing stubble burning and dependence on virgin wood pulp.

The project seeks to create non-wood paper technology that diverts agricultural residue from burning while lowering reliance on forest-based raw materials, the company said.

In a statement, Amazon said the lightweight yet durable packaging materials will offer recyclable and home-compostable alternatives to conventional wood pulp paper and plastic bags.

The research will focus on converting crop residues such as wheat straw and bagasse into high-quality pulp for paper mailers, with performance comparable to traditional paper packaging, it added.

“This initiative helps reduce stubble burning in India by turning agricultural waste into valuable packaging material. It also lowers dependence on imported virgin wood pulp and could provide additional income for farmers by creating a market for agricultural residues,” Amazon India said.

The collaboration with IIT-Roorkee's Department of Paper and Packaging Technology will begin with lab-scale development and testing over 15 months, according to the statement.

“Subject to successful performance tests, Amazon will support progression to industrial trials, process validation, and commercial production by mid to late next year,” it added.