Organic Recycling Systems (ORSL), a leading Indian clean-tech company focused on sustainable waste valorisation and circular economy solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) to collaborate on research in biomass valorisation, biochar development, and advanced environmental technologies, reports Consstructionworlds.in.
The collaboration brings together ORSL’s industrial expertise and the research capabilities of IIT Roorkee’s Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy (HRED) to accelerate progress in renewable energy, circular economy initiatives, and carbon-neutral technologies.
Under the agreement, both institutions will work jointly on biomass research applications, including the characterisation and pretreatment of biomass, the development of biofuels and biochemical conversion processes, and the evaluation of agricultural residues for industrial use. They will also collaborate on producing and testing biochar and activated carbon for applications in soil improvement, carbon sequestration, water purification, and removal of heavy metals.
The partnership will extend to optimising torrefaction processes for biomass and municipal solid waste (MSW) and integrating these with pyrolysis and gasification technologies to enhance energy recovery. In addition, ORSL and IIT Roorkee plan to promote knowledge exchange and capacity building through joint training programmes, internships, and research projects, creating a stronger link between academia and industry in the field of renewable energy and environmental innovation.
Sarang Bhand, Managing Director of ORSL, said the collaboration marks a significant step in the company’s research and development journey. He noted that the partnership will help speed up technology development in biomass and MSW valorisation with a strong focus on biochar and torrefaction, supporting India’s transition toward clean energy and carbon neutrality.
Prof. Vivek Kumar Malik, Dean of Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy at IIT Roorkee, said the partnership reflects the institute’s commitment to translating advanced research into practical industrial applications. He added that the collaboration would open the door to innovative and scalable solutions in biomass processing and environmental management.
Prof. (Dr.) Sonal K. Thengane, Associate Professor in the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy at IIT Roorkee, said the collaboration aims to develop a replicable model for the torrefaction of biomass and MSW that can be implemented across India to promote sustainable waste-to-energy practices.
