While most students are focused on exams and assignments, Amala Jose, a Business Management student from St Joseph’s College, Moolamattom, is tackling something far bigger: the global plastic crisis. With the help of her mentors and campus startup support, she has designed PenCanvas, a biodegradable pen that may help rewrite the story of plastic pollution.
The journey began during a seminar at CIPET Kochi, where Amala first learned about bioplastics and biopolymers. “That session was a turning point. I realised everyday items like pens, often overlooked, are huge contributors to plastic waste,” Amala shared in an interview with Onmanorama.
From Concept to Creation
Under the guidance of Dr. Sharon Lee Jose (Management) and Dr. Robin John (Physics), Amala explored sustainable materials and manufacturing possibilities. Her participation in Kerala Startup Mission’s RINK platform gave her real-world exposure to innovation.
The college’s Novation Nexus incubation centre played a crucial role in transforming PenCanvas from a student idea into a market-ready product. Now, it’s gaining traction as a smart, sustainable alternative to disposable plastic pens.
A Tiny Pen, A Big Impact
Plastic pens often end up in landfills or water bodies, adding to the 19–23 million tonnes of plastic waste that enter our aquatic ecosystems each year, as per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). With microplastics detected in human blood and organs, the urgency for solutions like PenCanvas is undeniable.
“This pen isn’t just a product—it’s a statement,” said Dr. Robin John. “It represents what young minds can do when they mix purpose with innovation.”
