New Delhi :The Innovation Council of faculty and students of Hindu College has developed an eco-friendly indoor air purifier with a body made of 96% straw, eliminating the need for conventional plastic casings.
Prof. Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, said that this achievement resonates with the vision of Atmanirbhar Abhiyan, initiated by the Prime Minister of India, promoting self-reliance through sustainable innovation. On the 126th Founder’s Day of our college, the Chief Guest, Dharmendra Pradhan, also appreciated our efforts for sustainable startups and entrepreneurial innovation. The college team has been working rigorously on this innovation, focusing on sustainability without compromising performance.
Straw, an agricultural byproduct, is abundantly available and often discarded as waste, making its use in this purifier an exemplary model of upcycling. The sturdy, biodegradable material ensures durability and structural integrity while reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. “By replacing plastic with straw-based materials, we are significantly reducing the carbon footprint of air purifiers and promoting the use of biodegradable alternatives,” she added.
The innovative purifier features a three-stage air filtration system, comprising a pre-filter, a HEPA 13 filter, and an activated carbon filter. This advanced system effectively removes pollutants, allergens, and harmful gases, making indoor spaces healthier and safer. The use of high-efficiency HEPA 13 technology ensures the capture of 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, while the activated carbon layer absorbs odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), further enhancing air purity, informed Prof. Lalit Kumar, Professor of Physics at Hindu College.
This project is funded by NBCC Services Limited (NBCCSL), further reinforcing the commitment to innovative and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.