15-year-old Tamil Nadu boy invented technology that would extend life of banana leaves from 3 days to 3 years for just 70 paise. His innovation saves 7 billion trees annually

At 15, one boy wonder from Tamil Nadu came up with a magnificent technique that would make utensils from banana leaves last longer. According to a Better India report, the adolescent was 11 when the farmers were noticed throwing banana leaves in the dustbins and burning them.

Curious, he questioned the farmers why they were burning these leaves, which were frequently used to serve food during celebrations. They gave a straightforward response. They were useless to the withered leaves. Later in life, Adithyaa began four years of research at his lab, motivated by an ambition to develop a superior and sustainable biomaterial that would eventually replace paper or synthetic materials like plastic.

In the end, he developed an invention known as Banana Leaf Technology, which uses no artificial chemicals to extend the usual shelf life of banana leaves from three days to three years. At the 2014 Global Science Fair in Texas, USA, he was given an international award for his innovative idea.


Banana Leaf technique is an environmentally friendly cellular technique that uses no chemicals to preserve leaves and organic biomaterials for a year. Many biomaterials, including leaves, have a short shelf life and often spoil in three days. But thanks to this innovation, the leaves may be maintained for three years without their natural colour and for a year in their original state.

Additionally, the method makes leaves and biomaterials more resilient, stretchable, and crushable so they can withstand high temperatures and support more weight than they could on their own. These processed biomaterials are safe for humans and animals, biodegradable, and resistant to pathogens.

““The technology enhances cells, strengthens cell walls of leaves and prevents pathogenic agents from destroying the cells. These processed biomaterials are biodegradable, healthy, pathogen-resistant, human-friendly and completely eco-friendly. A viable replacement for disposables, it prevents the destruction of around 7 billion trees annually,” the website of the company revealed.

And the cost of preserving the leaves? $0.01 or 70 to 75 paise, as per a Better India report.