Scientists from IIT Guwahati have developed biodegradable plastic for the first time in India with the help of homegrown technology.
The biodegradable plastic has been developed by IIT-G’s Centre of Excellence- Sustainable Polymers (CoE-SusPol).
The centre is funded by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, reports TOI.
The centre is the only one in the country which has been able to develop a highly innovative and cost effective method of developing biodegradable plastic using homegrown technology.
Vimal Katiyar, CoE-SusPol coordinator said that the biodegradable plastic which has passed the hot beverage test is unique as it has no hazardous chemicals.
He also added that the biodegradable plastic comes from a bio-base and not from petroleum so it is safe and environment-friendly.
The biodegradable plastic, if thrown, will degrade automatically and get absorbed in soil which in turn will increase its fertility.
The non-biodegradable plastic is one of the major causes of soil pollution as it takes large amount of time to decompose.
The project has received support from a Gujarat-based private company to begin commercial production.
The centre has been currently been producing 7-8 kg of biodegradable plastic at one go.
A pilot project, with a 100 tonnes per year capacity design will go on till September this year.
Successful completion of the pilot project might pave the way for commercial production.