From Waste to Innovation”: Dr. Rasheeda Khanam on Turning Dairy Residue into Bioplastic

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way” — the saying finds powerful expression in the work of Dr. Rasheeda Khanam, a faculty member at Gitam Deemed to be University. Her persistence and scientific inquiry have culminated in a patent for an eco-friendly bioplastic derived from dairy waste. What was once discarded as useless ghee residue has now been transformed into a material with the potential to replace conventional plastics.

In a conversation with The Coastal Times, Dr. Khanam spoke about her journey, the science behind her innovation, and her hopes for its future.

Q: Dr. Khanam, congratulations on securing the patent. What sparked your interest in working with ghee residue?

A: Thank you. The idea came from observing how much ghee residue is generated in dairies. It’s the dark, coarse mass left behind after butter is clarified into ghee. Most of the time it has no practical use and is simply dumped in fields. I began wondering whether something valuable could be created from what everyone else considered waste. That curiosity became the starting point of this research.

Q: Could you explain how this bioplastic is made and what makes it unique?

A: By analysing the chemical composition of ghee residue, I developed a formulation that combines functionality with sustainability. I blend the extract with glycerol for flexibility and polymerizing additives to enhance its strength. The result is a non-toxic, biodegradable bioplastic suitable for dry food packaging. What’s exciting is its quick degradation — it breaks down in water within 24 hours and in soil within 20 to 30 days, unlike conventional plastics that last centuries.

Q: What challenges did you face while bringing this idea to life?

A: Research is never straightforward. There were many trials, failures, and refinements before we reached the right composition. The patent process itself also took time. But when the final outcome matched my expectations, I was thrilled. Securing the patent was an important milestone because it not only recognised the work but also opened doors for scaling it up.

Q: How do you see this invention being applied in the real world?

A: Right now, trials are being conducted for packaging grains and other agricultural products. We are also studying its use for seafood and non-agro commodities. Structurally, the material is similar to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which means it can be composted into fertiliser after use. The fact that no synthetic chemicals are used and that it contains phenolic compounds, which help preserve food with minimal toxicity, makes it highly versatile.

Q: Beyond the science, what does this achievement mean to you personally?

A: For me, this is more than a professional accomplishment. It is a message to my students and aspiring researchers that perseverance pays off. Research can feel frustrating, but if you stay with it, the results can be rewarding. What started as a simple observation of waste has now grown into a solution with real potential. I hope young scholars see that sometimes the answers to big problems are hidden in the smallest details.

Q: Finally, how do you think innovations like yours can contribute to the larger fight against plastic pollution?

A: The world is urgently looking for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. This invention is just one step, but it shows how local research can contribute to global challenges. If adopted at scale, such bioplastics can reduce plastic pollution while supporting a circular economy. The broader message is clear: with determination and creativity, even waste can become a resource for the future.