Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time for celebration, joy, and togetherness, marked by vibrant decorations and dazzling fireworks. As we prepare for another vibrant Diwali, the need for environmentally conscious celebrations has never been clearer. Traditional firecrackers contribute heavily to pollution, affecting both air quality and public health. As we celebrate tradition this year, innovation has brought us closer to a greener future with eco-friendly firecrackers—patented, scientifically developed, and designed to minimize environmental harm while keeping the festive spirit alive.
Traditional firecrackers release large amounts of harmful chemicals like sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Firecrackers can raise air pollution levels by 30-50% in urban areas during Diwali, leading to dangerous air quality levels (AQI above 400). Patented eco-friendly firecrackers, often referred to as “green crackers,” reduce particulate emissions by 30-35% and produce less noise pollution. These green crackers use alternative materials like water vapor, air as a dispersing agent, and modified chemical formulations to reduce toxic emissions. Patented innovations have introduced firecrackers with chemical substitutes like potassium nitrate, avoiding chemicals like barium nitrate and aluminium, which are harmful to both human health and the environment. New patents focus on reducing both air and noise pollution, making them safer for both the environment and people, especially those with respiratory conditions. A growing number of consumers are opting for environmentally conscious celebrations, increasing the demand for eco-friendly firecrackers by 15-20% annually in India. Patented eco-friendly firecrackers are part of a broader movement towards sustainable celebrations, aligning with global environmental goals.
Curious about the evolving technology behind firecrackers, we came across 141 patent applications by using specific keywords and classification codes to uncover innovations in environmentally friendly crackers and fireworks across various jurisdictions. To our surprise, we identified numerous patent applications related to green crackers, eco-friendly fireworks, and electronic fireworks. Among these, several applications were filed by CSIR, which has been developing green cracker formulations under the names SAFAL, STAR, and SWAS. These formulations boast a 30% reduction in particulate matter by using Potassium Nitrate (KNO3) as an oxidant, focusing on reduced emission of light and sound. Additionally, we discovered patent applications concerning eco-friendly fireworks that include heat-resistant, durable seeds designed for afforestation through explosive seed dispersal.
The figure 1.1 depicts the various technological subjects related to green crackers, eco-friendly fireworks, and electronic fireworks found in our research. The inner circle highlights primary topics such as raw materials, fireworks structure, and traditional fireworks. The outer circle branches out into subtopics related to each major category.
Figure 1.2 depicts the geographical distribution of patent applications. Notably, China leads with a dominant 94% of the applications, followed by India at 3%, with other countries such as (US, DE &TW) by 1% respectively. This trend indicates a significant concentration of applications related to eco-friendly fireworks, raw materials, structure of fireworks, traditional fireworks etc. which focus on reducing both air and sound pollution, making them safer for both the environment and people.
Figure 1.3 shows the number of patent filings by various entities related to eco-friendly fireworks which focus on Green Crackers, Raw Materials, Sustainable Alternatives etc. Noteworthy filers include CSIR and Jiangxi Jirun Fireworks New Material Tec, indicating significant research and development in green crackers, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly alternatives. These trends signal a growing commitment to minimizing the environmental footprint of fireworks.
Figure 1.4 depicts the number of applications and publications from year 1930 to 2024. The trend shows a significant increase in interest and activity related to eco-friendly fireworks, green crackers, and raw materials used in the production of environmentally friendly fireworks, such as smokeless charges and sulphur-free propellants. A clear upward trend emerges, particularly around 2018, when activity peaked, demonstrating increasing interest in eco-friendly pyrotechnics. This suggests growing awareness and innovation in developing environmentally friendly pyrotechnics. This reflects a broader movement towards sustainable and environmentally conscious celebrations.
As Diwali approaches, let’s reaffirm our commitment to sustainability while celebrating joyfully by adopting eco-friendly fireworks. Together, we can create a new tradition of environmental consciousness while lighting up the sky responsibly.