In a groundbreaking achievement, the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) has been awarded a patent for the development of a new binding material for incense sticks and incense cones. This innovation not only promises to enhance the quality of incense products but also offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional binding agents, thereby significantly reducing CO2 emissions during combustion.
Incense sticks, a popular product for spiritual and aromatic use, are traditionally made by mixing various botanical materials, such as powdered wood, charcoal, bark, leaves, flowers, essential oils, or aromatic chemicals. These ingredients are pasted onto bamboo sticks, and the final product is dried to create an ignitable incense stick.
The binding material, which holds all these components together, is a crucial part of the incense-making process. The most commonly used binding material is Jigat, a powdered bark derived from Litsea glutinosa, a tree known for its adhesive properties. However, the new material developed by KFRI promises to revolutionise the incense industry by offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative.
The innovative binding material created by KFRI is a combination of Litsea deccanensis bark powder, bamboo sawdust, and bamboo charcoal. The ingredients are blended in a precise ratio with distilled water to form a semi-solid paste. This paste is applied to bamboo sticks using machines and dried at a controlled temperature (50-60°C) for three hours. The process can be adapted to incorporate fragrances or essential oils, enhancing the aromatic experience of the incense.
One of the standout features of this new binding matrix is the use of Litsea deccanensis bark powder, which not only functions as an effective adhesive but also increases the burning time of the incense stick by 20-25% compared to traditional sticks. The eco-friendly matrix offers enhanced product quality, characterised by its extended burn duration and reduced harmful smoke and CO2 emissions during combustion.
In addition to its improved performance, this new binding material is also significantly more eco-friendly. During the manufacturing of incense sticks, bamboo, a widely used raw material, typically generates about 70% waste biomass. KFRI's innovation leverages this waste by utilising bamboo sawdust and bamboo charcoal to create the binding matrix. This approach reduces the amount of bamboo waste that would otherwise end up as landfill or be incinerated, contributing to a more sustainable production process.
The reduction in CO2 emissions is another critical environmental benefit of this new material. Conventional incense sticks release more CO2 and harmful particulate matter when burned, contributing to air pollution. The KFRI-developed matrix minimises CO2 production, making the incense burning process cleaner and less polluting.
The research and development of this novel binding material were carried out by a dedicated team of KFRI scientists, including R. Jayaraj, Unnimaya Raveendran, V.B. Sreekumar, and Syam Viswanath. The team conducted numerous trials and experiments to identify the optimal combination of plant materials for creating an efficient and eco-friendly adhesive. Financial support from the National Bamboo Mission, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, played a crucial role in the project's success.
The patent granted to KFRI marks a significant milestone in the development of eco-friendly products and processes. This innovation not only provides an alternative to harmful binding agents but also opens the door for broader applications in other sectors that use similar materials, such as cosmetics and traditional crafts.
The use of sustainable resources in manufacturing, such as bamboo and plant-based adhesives, aligns with global trends toward green technologies and sustainable industrial practices. The positive environmental impact of this new binding material could set a new standard for the incense industry and serve as a model for other manufacturers looking to reduce their ecological footprint.
Conclusion: The Kerala Forest Research Institute's development of an eco-friendly binding matrix for incense sticks marks a revolutionary step towards greener manufacturing practices in the fragrance and incense industry. By utilising bamboo waste and minimising harmful emissions, this innovation not only improves the quality and sustainability of incense products but also paves the way for a cleaner, more environmentally conscious future. With increasing demand for eco-friendly products worldwide, this breakthrough is sure to have a lasting impact on both the industry and the environment.
Published on: Tuesday, June 6, 2023