USU Public Relations – Once again, innovation from Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) students has made a positive impact on both society and the environment. This achievement demonstrates the tangible progress of research and innovation under the leadership of USU Rector Prof. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., which continues to deliver beneficial outcomes for the wider community.
The team behind this innovation consists of Shintia Florensia Silaban, Yeggin Damanik, Feodora Nicole Holongy Sitompul, and Gita Triani Sinaga from the Department of Chemical Engineering, as well as Letminda Oftavya Purba from Development Economics, under the supervision of Ir. Ilham Perkasa Bako, S.T., M.T.
According to the team, the idea emerged from their concern about Indonesia’s growing waste problem, particularly single-use plastic waste. The widespread use of styrofoam, a type of plastic known to contain carcinogenic substances, has exacerbated environmental pollution.
Recognizing potential in often-overlooked materials, the students discovered that oil palm fronds, which usually accumulate as waste, are rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, while papaya leaves, which are abundant but underutilized, contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial and antifungal properties. By combining these two raw materials, the team developed BIOFLAEIS — a biodegradable and sustainable food packaging product that not only decomposes naturally but also helps preserve food quality and shelf life.
BIOFLAEIS serves as an innovative solution to the increasing plastic waste crisis while adding economic value to agricultural by-products that would otherwise be discarded. Through a combination of scientific research and creativity, the team aims to make BIOFLAEIS more than just a product—it is envisioned as a moral movement encouraging the public to care more deeply about environmental issues.

Their supervisor, Ir. Ilham Perkasa Bako, S.T., M.T., expressed great appreciation for this innovation. He emphasized that BIOFLAEIS is not merely a product of entrepreneurship but also a concrete example of how science and knowledge can be applied to address real-world problems.
“BIOFLAEIS demonstrates that student creativity can bridge science, technology, and societal needs. From materials often considered waste, they have created a valuable and eco-friendly product,” he stated. He further noted that this represents the true essence of higher education — not only generating theories but also developing practical and impactful solutions.
The product is now ready for commercialization. The team is utilizing social media marketing and direct outreach to small and medium-sized culinary businesses, cafes, and restaurants. This strategy targets younger consumers and environmentally conscious entrepreneurs who are increasingly adopting sustainable lifestyles. With this approach, BIOFLAEIS is expected to gain broader recognition and open collaboration opportunities with industries that support environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand BIOFLAEIS’s reach by collaborating with more local businesses, communities, and partners. They believe that strong multi-sectoral support will strengthen BIOFLAEIS’s position as a practical solution for reducing plastic waste while maximizing the potential of agricultural residues in Indonesia.
Rector Prof. Muryanto Amin continues to encourage and support students in developing innovative and sustainable solutions, particularly those that contribute to environmental conservation. He hopes programs like PKM-K will provide a platform for students to apply their academic knowledge and skills in producing innovative, real-world solutions.
The Rector consistently emphasizes the vital role of universities in cultivating a young generation that is not only intelligent but also highly aware of global issues such as climate change and natural resource management. Through innovations like BIOFLAEIS, USU students demonstrate not only creativity but also a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
The success of the BIOFLAEIS team is expected to inspire further innovations of this kind and support global efforts to reduce the use of plastic and other environmentally harmful materials.
By continuously supporting such initiatives, Rector Prof. Muryanto Amin not only drives academic advancement but also contributes meaningfully to sustainable development for the future.