Researchers at IIT Guwahati have created a sustainable automotive material using Bambusa tulda, a local bamboo species. The new composite offers an eco-friendly alternative to plastics used in car interiors. It was developed using biodegradable polymers and tested for strength, durability, and cost. The study, led by Dr. Poonam Kumari, addresses plastic waste and supports the global push for greener materials.

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• IIT Guwahati develops bamboo-based composite from Bambusa tulda
• Replaces plastic in automotive interiors like dashboards, seat backs, door panels
• Composite uses biodegradable polymers; strong, stable, low moisture absorption
• Tested across 17 performance criteria for real-world automotive use
• Bio-based epoxy “FormuLite” yielded best results using MCDM evaluation method
• Cost-effective at ₹4300/kg, comparable to traditional materials
• Reduces plastic waste and promotes green manufacturing practices
• Useful beyond automobiles – electronics, aerospace, and construction too
• Aligned with India’s Green Tech Revolution and Make in India vision
• Full life cycle assessment and production scale-up underway