CONVERTING RICE STRAW WASTE INTO ECO-FRIENDLY FIBREBOARDS

Dr Rajiv Arora represents SBSSU at Czech Int’l Congress CHISA-2026 among 600+ participants

Vikram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

Bringing international recognition to Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University (SBSSU), Ferozepur, Associate Professor and Registrar Dr. Rajiv Arora presented his research paper at the 28th International Congress of Chemical and Process Engineering (CHISA 2026), held in Prague, Czech Republic, during the last week of August.

The CHISA series of conferences is among the leading international platforms in the field of Chemical Engineering and Process Engineering and is organised biennially in Prague. The five-day international congress brought together more than 600 participants from across the world for in-person presentations and discussions on recent developments in various areas of chemical and process engineering.
The conference focused on emerging research in areas including digitalisation and modelling, energy, green technologies and sustainability, fluid and granular flows, reactor engineering, separation processes, and chemical engineering education, among others.

Dr. Rajiv Arora presented his latest research entitled “Eco-friendly Fiberboard Panels from Waste Rice Straw Generated after the production of Biogas.” The study explores the utilisation of residual waste generated after the production of biogas from rice straw, commonly associated with paddy stubble. The research proposes an innovative approach to converting this agricultural waste into useful eco-friendly fibreboard panels.

The research has significant potential from both environmental and sustainability perspectives. It can contribute to the productive utilisation of rice-straw waste while reducing dependence on wood and, consequently, helping to reduce the cutting of trees. The study also highlights the potential of converting agricultural and biogas-production residues into value-added materials through sustainable technologies.

Speaking about his participation, Dr. Rajiv Arora said, “My participation in this prestigious international congress has provided an opportunity to showcase research from Punjab and India on an international platform. The study focuses on developing eco-friendly fibreboard panels from waste generated during the biogas production process, highlighting the potential of innovative and sustainable approaches towards waste utilisation and material development.”

Dr. Arora’s participation in CHISA 2026 is being viewed as a significant research achievement for Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University, Ferozepur. It reflects the University’s growing emphasis on research, innovation, sustainability and the development of technologies addressing environmental challenges. The international presentation also provides valuable global exposure to the research activities being undertaken at the University and strengthens its academic and research presence at the international level.