IISc’s bio-based foam moves towards cold-chain packaging

Researchers at Bengaluru’s Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a bio-based insulation foam for cold-chain and temperature-controlled packaging.

Prof Suryasarathi Bose and Prof Subodh Kumar developed the material with researchers Sampath Parasuram, Akshay Sunil Salvi, Supriya H, Sandeep Kumar Singh and Amit Malakar. Absolute Cold LLP, which works in cold-chain and temperature-controlled logistics, is working to translate the laboratory material into a commercial product.

The foam uses epoxidised fatty acids from non-edible oils and polyphenol-based materials derived from tea leaves. Its structure is designed to allow reprocessing after use, unlike conventional polyurethane foam, which is widely used for insulation but is difficult to recycle.

Possible uses include packaging for pharmaceuticals and other goods that require stable temperatures during storage and transport. Before wider use, the material will need to maintain its insulation, strength and durability at commercial scale and in cold-chain conditions.