Muzaffarpur Man Is Using Corn Husk To Make Eco-Friendly Chocolate Wrappers, Tea Cups, & More

Seven years ago, Naaz Ozair of Muzaffarpur experienced a devastating loss: his young nephew succumbed to cancer. The tragedy left him searching for answers, and he learnt that even small plastic particles could contribute to such illnesses. 

Naaz made it his mission to reduce plastic use in our daily lives.

As an MTech teacher at the time, he was used to solving complex problems. But this challenge was different and it was personal. After many failed attempts to find an alternative he stumbled upon corn husk. Unlike plastic pouches that are fragile and can tear easily, corn husk is stronger  and more durable, making it a viable alternative for everyday use.

What started as an experiment quickly turned into something much bigger. Naaz began creating eco-friendly products, including chocolate wrappers, cups, plates, bags, and even banners — all from corn husk. His venture now has over 10 different products, and he’s selling more than 1,000 items daily.

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But the journey wasn’t easy. Naaz knew he had to focus all his energy on this mission, so he left his teaching job to pursue his research and product development full time. Today, his work is recognised by IIT Patna and supported by the ‘Bihar Startup Program’. 

His products not only help reduce plastic waste but also support local farmers in his region, where corn is grown three times a year. 

Today, he’s focused on expanding his plant and continuing to create sustainable products that can make a real difference in the world. 

Edited by Arunava Banerjee; All images courtesy Naaz Ozair