GreenShell: Eco-friendly food packaging idea wins big at TBS Graduates Scholar Hunt

With the funds, Fariha's team plans to develop a prototype and conduct thorough testing to ensure the idea's functionality and sustainability. Photo: Courtesy

Saturday 26 October turned out to be a lucky day for Umma Fariha Sadek, a final-year student at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Rajshahi University. She became the champion of the TBS Graduates Scholar Hunt, a battle of the brightest minds from across the country's universities.

In fact, nine university students including her were equally lucky. With the motto "Investing in visionaries," the program awarded Tk1 lakh each to the top nine participants for their sustainable and socially impactful business ideas. 

Fifteen finalists took part in the final round, selected from a competitive number of 1,548 applications. Fariha won for her innovative concept of eco-friendly food packaging, called GreenShell.

Her idea involves creating single-use food packaging from straws left over after paddy harvest, aiming to reduce plastic food packaging, which is harmful to the environment.

By repurposing these natural materials, it tackles the dual challenges of agricultural waste management and plastic pollution. It also empowers rural farmers with an extra source of income as they can sell their paddy straws, as per the business model.

Plastic pollution is an alarming issue in Bangladesh and food packaging is one of its leading contributors. A study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) in 2019 found that Bangladesh generates 86,707 tons of single-use plastic waste every year and 96% of that comes from food and personal care products.

"I feel incredibly proud and grateful for this achievement," Fariha told The Business Standard, adding, "Winning the Scholar's Hunt validates the hard work, creativity, and potential behind the GreenShell idea. It's inspiring to see a concept that aims to solve real-world problems being recognised at such a prestigious platform."

"This win has fueled my motivation to take the idea to the next level and make a tangible impact," she said. 

GreenShell is a food packaging solution that transforms paddy straws— an agricultural by-product often discarded as waste— into sustainable, eco-friendly packaging.

By repurposing these natural materials, it tackles the dual challenges of agricultural waste management and plastic pollution. It also empowers rural farmers with an extra source of income as they can sell their paddy straws, as per the business model.

The packaging is designed to be durable, food-safe, and fully biodegradable, ensuring minimal environmental impact without compromising functionality. Ideal for applications ranging from takeout services to retail food products, GreenShell promotes a circular economy by converting waste into value.

This innovation empowers businesses and consumers to embrace sustainability while supporting a greener and more responsible future.

However, Fariha is not alone behind the innovative idea. She is part of a three-member team called 'Freaks and Geeks.' The others are Md Prithiraj Prodhan and Sakib Faisal, former students of the same institution. 

Due to the event's restriction on the number of team members, she participated alone. The team prepared and supported her for the solo challenge.

It's not the first recognition for GreenShell. Earlier, the team reached the Top 12 in another competition organised by a local corporate house.

"Each milestone has helped me refine the idea and strengthen its practical application, but this win in the Scholar Hunt feels especially significant because of its scale and the opportunity it brings," Fariha said.

She shared that their next step is to use the funds to develop a working prototype of GreenShell and conduct thorough testing to ensure its functionality and sustainability. 

The team also plans to explore additional funding opportunities, such as applying for government grants, approaching angel investors, and pitching the idea to venture capitalists who are passionate about sustainable innovations. 

"These resources will help scale the project from prototype to production. By combining financial support with strategic partnerships, I aim to bring GreenShell to market as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging, making a meaningful impact on waste reduction and environmental preservation," she concluded.

It was the first edition of the Scholar Hunt, a flagship competition organised by The Business Standard in association with TBS Graduates. It comprises three dynamic categories: Business Administration, Architecture, and Engineering and Technology that aims to inspire students to think strategically and creatively, presenting solutions with the potential for real-world impact.