A team of scientists at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed PBAT-based biodegradable packaging.
Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) is a polymer derived from petroleum products or plant oils.
DRDO scientist Dr K Veerabrahmam and his team at Advanced Systems Laboratory of DRDO at Hyderabad developed these biodegradable packaging.
They claimed it will decompose within three months, leaving no harmful residue.
The team said on Tuesday that this cutting-edge technology has been freely distributed to more than 40 companies with the goal of being widely adopted both domestically and internationally.
According to reports, the PBAT-based packaging provides an environmentally friendly solution without sacrificing quality, with strength and durability matching that of traditional plastics.
It stated that numerous environmental impact studies, such as the IS 17088 test, have verified that these biodegradable bags break down in three months without producing any hazardous residue and are therefore compostable.
Beyond just carrying luggage, this technology has many potential uses. Biodegradable materials have remarkable adaptability and wide range of applications, as evidenced by their use in medical waste bags, aprons, garbage bags, nursery bags, shrink films, and packaging films.
According to the team, this project represents a critical turning point in the search of environmentally conscious living and sustainable development.
DRDO and its partners are dedicated to maintaining the biodegradable bags’ affordability, even with their comparatively higher production costs.
According to a press release on DRDO sharing the technology with the firms at no cost, Mr. Veerabrahmam stated that the cost of production for biodegradable bags ranges from ₹160 to ₹180 per kilogram, in contrast to ₹140 for traditional plastic bags.
Obtaining a patent for this technology is in progress. The research was conducted by the Advanced Systems Laboratory of DRDO in Hyderabad, the release said.
Date : 24 & 25 August 2024 (2 Days)
Time : 10 AM to 05 PM
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