KUALA LUMPUR, 19 May 2026 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) continued to strengthen its commitment towards sustainable material engineering and environmental innovation through the presentation of POLYNEX at the 37th International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2026. Developed under the leadership of Prof. Ir. Dr. Srimala Sreekantan from the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, the innovation attracted attention for its environmentally responsible approach towards modern agricultural applications.

POLYNEX is a biomass-based compostable mulch innovation developed to reduce dependence on conventional polyethylene agricultural plastics, which have long contributed to persistent soil pollution and microplastic accumulation within agricultural ecosystems. Utilising locally sourced agro-industrial biomass residues such as empty fruit bunches and rice husks, the innovation transforms agricultural waste into functional compostable composite materials capable of supporting sustainable farming practices.

The research further demonstrates how surface acetylation treatment enhances compatibility between biomass fillers and polymer matrices, allowing the material to retain the flexibility and durability required for agricultural deployment while enabling controlled degradation after crop cycles. Beyond mulch applications, the technology also demonstrates potential for broader use in compostable planter bags, industrial liners and sustainable packaging solutions.

According to Prof. Ir. Dr. Srimala Sreekantan, sustainable agricultural technologies must balance environmental responsibility with industrial practicality and long-term performance requirements.

“Future agricultural materials must not only support productivity, but also minimise long-term environmental impact. POLYNEX was developed to demonstrate how biomass engineering can contribute towards more sustainable and regenerative agricultural systems.”

The Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, said the innovation reflects USM’s broader commitment towards developing research-driven solutions that align scientific advancement with sustainability priorities and industrial transformation.

“The future of innovation will increasingly depend on how effectively research institutions translate scientific capability into sustainable and implementation-ready solutions. POLYNEX reflects this growing responsibility within modern research ecosystems.”

The presentation of POLYNEX at ITEX 2026 reflects USM’s continued commitment towards developing impactful innovations that integrate scientific excellence, sustainability and industrial relevance in addressing evolving global environmental challenges.

Source: Professor Ir. Dr. Srimala Sreekantan, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, USM/Text: PrivinKumar Jayavanan, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC), USM/Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @MPRC USM/Photo: Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC), USM