What are green crackers?
Last updated:
Green crackers are firecrackers made to formulas developed by CSIR-NEERI (the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur) that produce roughly 30% less particulate matter than conventional crackers. They still burn, spark and make noise, but they use smaller shells, less or no barium nitrate and additives that suppress dust, so each cracker puts less smoke into the air.
This page is the starting point for our Diwali guides. If you already know the basics, go straight to how to identify real green crackers, the Diwali crackers names list or our FAQ. यह पेज हिंदी में भी पढ़ें.
What does "green cracker" mean?
"Green" is a label for reduced-emission fireworks, not a promise of zero pollution. The idea came out of a Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) programme in 2018, when eight CSIR laboratories, coordinated by CSIR-NEERI, worked on new formulations for the fireworks industry. The Ministry of Science and Technology announced the first formulations in October 2018 (PIB, 2018) and launched green crackers formally in October 2019 (PIB, 2019).
According to those releases, the target was a reduction of about 30% in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), the fine dust that hangs in the air after a night of fireworks. Some formulations also aim to lower sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions.
How are green crackers different from normal crackers?
The difference is in the chemistry and the size, not in how you light them.
| Conventional crackers | Green crackers | |
|---|---|---|
| Shell size | Often larger | Smaller shells, less powder per piece |
| Barium nitrate | Common colouring and oxidising agent | Reduced or replaced |
| Dust | No dust suppression | Additives that release water vapour or bind dust |
| Smoke and particulates | Baseline | About 30% less particulate matter (CSIR-NEERI target) |
| Packaging | Brand label only | Green fireworks logo and a QR code from CSIR-NEERI |
Green crackers are still fireworks. They still produce smoke, heat and sound, and they need the same care when you light them. Read our firecracker safety tips before Diwali night.
What are SWAS, SAFAL and STAR?
CSIR named its first three green formulations with short acronyms (PIB, 2018):
| Type | Full name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| SWAS | Safe Water Releaser | Releases water vapour when lit, which suppresses dust |
| SAFAL | Safe Minimal Aluminium | Uses less aluminium in the mix |
| STAR | Safe Thermite Cracker | Avoids potassium nitrate and sulphur |
Since then, CSIR-NEERI has worked with manufacturers on green versions of everyday items: sparklers, flower pots (anar), chakkars, bombs, rockets and aerial shots. In December 2025, CSIR-NEERI was named the National Centre of Excellence for Green Firecrackers (PIB, 2025).
What are green crackers made of?
Every cracker needs a fuel, an oxidiser and, for colour, metal salts. Green formulations keep that basic recipe but change the ingredients:
- Less barium nitrate. Barium compounds give the green colour in many crackers and add to the smoke. Green formulas cut back on them or use other colouring agents.
- Less aluminium. Aluminium powder makes bright white sparks. SAFAL crackers use less of it.
- Dust suppressants. SWAS crackers include compounds that release water vapour, which helps settle dust as it forms.
- Smaller shells. Less powder per piece means less smoke per piece.
CSIR-NEERI shares its formulations with manufacturers who sign an agreement with the institute, and tests their products for emissions (CSIR-NEERI).
Do green crackers make less noise?
Not necessarily. "Green" is about emissions, not volume. A green bomb or wala can still be loud. If you want a quieter Diwali, pick the type rather than the label: sparklers, flower pots and ground chakkars are much quieter than bombs and sky shots. Our Diwali crackers names list marks each type as noiseless, mild or loud.
How can you tell if a cracker is green?
Look at the box. A green cracker made to a CSIR-NEERI formulation carries the green fireworks logo and a QR code. Scanning the QR code with the CSIR-NEERI green QR code app shows the manufacturer and product details. A logo alone can be copied, so the QR code is the stronger check. The full step-by-step check is in how to identify green crackers.
Are green crackers more expensive?
When the formulations were announced, the Science and Technology Minister said green crackers would cost about 15–20% less to make than conventional ones (PIB, 2018). In practice the printed MRP depends on the brand and the item. On our crackers price list 2026 you can see the printed MRP of every item we stock next to our price, which is 50% off MRP.
Do green crackers still pollute?
Yes, less, but they do. CSIR's own target is a reduction of about 30% in particulates (PIB, 2019), which is a real improvement and still leaves most of the smoke. A few simple habits help further: light fewer, bigger-effect items instead of many small ones, light them in open spaces, and share a single display with neighbours.
Where to go next
- How to identify real green crackers: the logo and QR code check.
- Diwali crackers names list: every type, from phuljhadi to sky shots.
- Firecracker safety tips: including burn first aid.
- Diwali 2026 date: the five days of the festival.
- FAQ: how to order from us, delivery and payment.
- Shop: Diwali crackers at 50% off MRP, ordered on WhatsApp.