The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shared the technology behind packaging product developed by a team led by its scientist K. Veerabrahmam using PBAT, a biodegradable polymer derived from petroleum products or plant oils, with more than 40 companies.
DRDO is determined to make the biodegradable bags affordable despite their relatively higher production costs. Mr. Veerabrahmam said in a release on DRDO sharing the technology free of cost with the firms that it takes ₹140 per kg for traditional plastics bags while cost of production of the biodegradable bags ranges ₹160-₹180 per kg.
PBAT-based biodegradable packaging could revolutionize the market due to its exceptional strength and durability comparable to those of conventional plastics. According to environmental impact studies carried out including the IS 17088 test, the biodegradable bags decay within three months leaving no harmful residues making them compostable.
It’s aimed at scaling up production and distribution efficiently through “sharing technologies freely and fostering collaborations,” he explained.
Laddus in Tirumala
“The laddus are now distributed in Tirumala using biodegradable bags. This pilot project provides a template for further undertaking among tourist destinations, coastal areas and other places thereby facilitating widespread use of environmentally friendly packing materials like this.” This technology goes beyond carry bags. For instance, medical waste bags can be made from these materials as well as aprons, garbage bags, nursery bags, shrink films and packing films.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shared the technology behind biodegradable bags with over 40 companies.
