BRIC-IBSD hosts Science Talks 2026
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 17 2026: BRIC-Institute of Bioresource and Sustainable Development (BRIC-IBSD), Imphal conducted a "Science Talks 2026" programme today at the institute's conference hall.

The programme featured an invited technical lecture by Dr Rakesh Kumar Jain, Technical Expert, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), New Delhi, and former Director of the Central Pulp & Paper Research Institute (CPPRI), Saharanpur.

Dr Jain delivered a lecture titled "Innovative Circular Economy Approach Utilising Agricultural Lignocellulosic Waste Biomass (banana waste, pineapple leaves and bamboo residues) as a resource for sustainable packaging materials".

The session focused on circular-economy pathways to convert locally available agricultural residues into biodegradable packaging, reducing dependence on single-use plastics while building bioeconomy opportunities in the Northeast.

The programme was chaired by Director, BRIC-IBSD Dr H Nanaocha Sharma, who underlined the need to translate scientific research into scalable regional solutions.

"The North East has a unique advantage in bioresources.

Our priority is to convert locally available residues into standards-compliant, market-ready products that can support sustainability and local enterprises," he said.

In his address, Dr Jain highlighted the practical steps required for scale-up - from residue collection and preprocessing to fibre extraction/pulping, product engineering, testing, and quality assurance - emphasising that sustainable packaging must meet performance benchmarks and compliance requirements to succeed commercially.

Scientists, postdoctoral researchers, research scholars and technical staff participated in the programme and engaged in an interactive discussion on process feasibility, product performance, economics, and possible industry linkages for pilot demonstrations in the region.

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