Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw applauds Bengaluru professor who turned leaf into a straw: Know how it’s now a global hit
Bengaluru-based billionaire Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw recently shared a video on social media that caught many people’s attention. It featured a unique invention by an English professor who turned dry coconut leaves into eco-friendly straws. Her caption said it all: "Local ideas with global opportunities!"
Who is this professor?
The man behind the innovation is Prof Saji Varghese, an English professor at Christ University, Bengaluru. Though he holds a PhD in English, his work in sustainability has earned him praise both in India and abroad.How did the idea come about?
It all began on October 3, 2017, when Prof Varghese was walking home after class and spotted a dry coconut leaf on the ground. He noticed that part of it had naturally curled into the shape of a straw. Curious, he took it to a lab and steamed it under high pressure. To his surprise, the heat brought out a shiny surface on the leaf, sparking the idea of making it a plastic alternative.He began experimenting with food-grade glue and different techniques. After months of trials, he developed a multi-layered straw in early 2018 that was strong, anti-fungal, and could stay firm in water for more than six hours. Even better, the straws had a shelf life of over 12 months.
How did it help others?
Prof Varghese didn't stop with just creating the straws. He set up small production units in villages across Madurai, Tuticorin, and Kasargod, giving jobs to rural women. The straws were launched under the brand name SunBird, and soon, local food businesses started placing orders.What happened next?
The innovation gained popularity quickly. Within a year, Prof Varghese’s straws were being exported to 25 countries, including the US, Australia, and several European nations.His work has not gone unnoticed. He has won several awards, including:
- Swadeshi Startup Award 2018 from IIT Delhi
- Swiss Re Shine Entrepreneur Award
- Climate Launchpad Award 2018 for social impact from Scotland