Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Anirudh Mettagunja, a final-year Accessories Design student at FDDI Hyderabad, has received a design patent for his innovative water bottle made entirely from coconut shells. The project, developed under the guidance of Dr. Rambabu Muppidi as part of the Design for Society course, emphasizes sustainability, biodegradable materials, and socially responsible product design.

The study explored alternatives to conventional steel, plastic, and clay bottles, highlighting materials that naturally decompose when discarded. As part of his research, Anirudh conducted a detailed field study across Hyderabad, from Nampally to Rayadurgam, engaging with local coconut vendors and residents. Discarded coconut shells were collected to assess availability, waste generation, reuse potential, and community perceptions. All fieldwork was conducted under academic supervision.

Insights from the study informed the conceptualization of a functional and distinctive coconut shell water bottle. The final design was developed using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and submitted for intellectual property protection. The Indian Design Patent Office officially granted the patent, under Application Number 476276-001, Class 09-01. Anirudh is listed as the first author, with Dr. Rambabu Muppidi as co-author, supported by fourth-year Accessories Design students. Academic guidance was provided by Professor Dr. Kiran Kasi Udaya Kumar, K.L.E.F, with legal support from IP Advocate Subhajith Sahi, along with Shailendra Kumar and Keerthi.

The project reflects Dr. Rambabu Muppidi’s mentorship in sustainable design, combining traditional natural materials with contemporary design thinking. This coconut shell water bottle exemplifies eco-friendly innovation, demonstrating how design education can shape socially responsible products that address environmental and ecological challenges, inspiring future designers to create meaningful and sustainable solutions.