Virtual Booth

Kindle Green: A Sustainable Biomass-Based Ignition Material with Functional Odour-Modulating and Bioactive Properties

The growing accumulation of agricultural waste and the limitations of conventional fire starters highlight the need for a more sustainable and functionally enhanced ignition material. This project introduces KindleGreen, a biodegradable fire starter developed from biomass waste and natural binders, designed to provide efficient ignition while improving user experience during combustion.

Two formulations of KindleGreen were developed to investigate the effect of incorporating lemongrass essential oil as a botanical additive. The material's performance was systematically evaluated through controlled experiments, including ignition time, burn duration, and a sensory-based odour assessment. Comparative testing with a commercial fire starter was conducted to establish performance benchmarks.

Experimental findings show that KindleGreen exhibits consistent ignition characteristics and a burn duration comparable to conventional products. Sensory evaluation indicates a measurable reduction in unpleasant odour perception, suggesting an improvement in combustion experience. In addition, a preliminary antimicrobial assay of lemongrass essential oil was conducted to support its functional role as a bioactive component within the formulation.

This study highlights the potential of integrating biomass valorisation with functional material design to produce a multifunctional ignition system. KindleGreen not only addresses environmental sustainability by utilising agricultural waste but also introduces a user-oriented enhancement through odour modulation and botanical functionality. The findings suggest that such hybrid material innovations can contribute to more sustainable and practical solutions in everyday applications.