02/06/2026
Innovation for a Greener Pakistan! 🌱
We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our talented Environmental Science students, Amal Shahid and Noor-ul-Ain Abbasi, who have developed what is believed to be Pakistan’s first mycelium-based biodegradable packaging material at Quaid-i-Azam University.
This innovative research was carried out at the Environmental Microbiology and Bioremediation Lab (EMBR) under the supervision of Prof. Sohail Yousaf and PhD Scholar Miss Khadija Zahid.
Created from mushroom mycelium grown on wheat straw and other agricultural waste, this sustainable packaging material offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastic and polystyrene products. Lightweight, moldable, and fully biodegradable, it transforms agricultural waste into a valuable solution for one of Pakistan’s most pressing environmental challenges.
As plastic pollution continues to threaten our ecosystems, innovations like this highlight the impact of scientific research, mentorship, and student-led creativity in driving positive change. With significant potential for large-scale application, this breakthrough could contribute to the development of a more sustainable packaging industry in Pakistan.
Congratulations 👏 to Amal Shahid, Noor-ul-Ain, Prof. Sohail Yousaf, and Miss Khadija Zahid on this outstanding achievement, bringing pride to QAU and inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
