Varsity students invent eco-friendly paper

The students of the Department of Biotechnology of the Federal Urdu University have invented an eco-friendly pollution-free paper from agricultural waste in view of the current climate change. This is a paper which will produce small plants with the help of the seeds inside when it is used and thrown away which will prove to be very pleasant for the environment because this paper is made out of the waste from sugarcane, banana, rice and corn husks.

The bio-sheet made by the students will save water as well as significantly reduce deforestation. Not only this, painting enthusiasts can now satisfy their passion with this eco-friendly paper made at a cost of Rs50 to Rs100 instead of expensive canvases. Not only can paintings be done easily on it, but it will also remain safe for years due to the durability of this paper.

Group members led by Dr. Sidra Shaheen, Abdul Rafi, Anila Shabbir and Habib-ur-Rehman have made the bio-paper. They have claimed that the price of even small canvases in the market is starting from Rs300, while they have prepared these canvas-style papers at a cost of as low as Rs50.

The students said that the paper is very little produced in Pakistan, most of it depends on imports. Keeping this in mind, a product has been made from poor quality materials that will also protect the environment. Generally, agricultural waste is burned, that causes environmental pollution and global warming, harmful to the human being. Forests are cut in the paper industry, due to which there are dangerous effects in the form of climate change. Bio paper has presented a sustainable alternative solution by using crop residues, plant fibers and leaves. First, the waste is collected, cleaned and sorted, then shredding and pulping are done. The sheet is formed after washing and bleaching.