University of Birmingham students recognised in international sustainability awards
Students from the University of Birmingham are recognised internationally for innovative approach to major sustainability challenge.
The 'Potastic' project team
University of Birmingham students have scooped a top international award for their innovative project creating eco-friendly mailers from potatoes.
The students received international recognition through the 2026 U21 RISE (Real Impact on Society and Environment) Awards, with their ‘Potastic’ project winning the ‘Most Potential’ award.
In the UK, around 4.4 million tonnes of potatoes are wasted each year, generating an estimated 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. By finding a new use for surplus potatoes, Potastic demonstrates how simple ideas can contribute to addressing major sustainability challenges.
The project was developed by International Relations with Economics student Rioana Mano Thankaraj and Biomedical Sciences student Ishwari Mohod, both members of student society Enactus Birmingham. Starch extracted from surplus potatoes that would otherwise go to waste is used to create biodegradable packaging materials.
Rioana Mano Thankaraj said: "Winning the ‘Most Potential’ award is a fantastic recognition of the work our team has put into developing Potastic.
"We’re currently in the research and development phase, testing prototypes to understand their chemical and mechanical properties and assess their suitability for real-world use. Our long-term ambition is to develop a sustainable alternative to the plastic mailers widely used across the e-commerce and fast-fashion industries.
"The funding and support from the U21 RISE Awards will enable us to carry out more rigorous testing, refine our product and move closer to developing a viable and scalable solution. We’re excited to continue this journey in creating meaningful and sustainable positive change."
By turning food waste into a practical product, the project seeks to address two environmental challenges at once: reducing food waste and providing a more sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.
The funding and support from the U21 RISE Awards will enable us to carry out more rigorous testing, refine our product and move closer to developing a viable and scalable solution. We’re excited to continue this journey in creating meaningful and sustainable positive change.
The U21 RISE Awards recognise innovative student projects making a positive impact within universities, communities and wider society, and which address one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Run by Universitas 21, the international showcase is designed to accelerate the scale and impact of student-led sustainability and social innovation projects, with categories for Most Potential, Most Collaborative, Most Impact and People’s Choice Award for Innovation. Since launching in 2019, the awards have showcased innovative solutions to global challenges while supporting the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Potastic was recognised by the judging panel for having the "Most Potential" among projects submitted from universities across the global U21 network. The award includes US$2,000 in seed funding to support the next stage of development.
The team plans to use the funding to refine product formulations, undertake further testing and develop prototypes for small-scale pilot production.
Professor Matthew Leeke, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience), said: "This award highlights the creativity, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. Through Enactus Birmingham, students are applying their knowledge beyond the lecture theatre to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
"We are delighted to see Potastic recognised internationally through the U21 RISE Awards. Their success demonstrates how student-led initiatives can contribute to sustainability goals while developing the skills, experience and confidence needed to create positive change."
We are delighted to see Potastic recognised internationally through the U21 RISE Awards. Their success demonstrates how student-led initiatives can contribute to sustainability goals while developing the skills, experience and confidence needed to create positive change.
The achievement showcases the impact students can make beyond their degree studies and reflects the important role student societies play in supporting innovation, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
As demand grows for alternatives to single-use plastics and new approaches to reducing food waste, Potastic demonstrates the potential of student-led innovation to create practical solutions with real-world environmental impact.
The University of Birmingham is seeking to change society and the environment positively, and use its research and education to make a major global contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The institution’s approach to sustainability education is to embed sustainability across all disciplines encouraging students to think holistically, act collaboratively, and innovate responsibly.