Biodegradable Film Replacement of Single Use Plastic released
30th June, 2022, New Delhi
The Biodegradable Film for the Replacement of Single Use Plastic was released during the 256th Meeting of the Governing Body of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Society held at the National Agricultural Science Centre Complex, New Delhi here today.
The PLA (Poly Lactic Acid) and Corn Starch based Biodegradable Films were developed using the commercial extrusion blown molding method. The thickness of the developed Films varied from 20 to 90 µm. The tensile strength, oxygen transmission rates and water vapor transmission rates ranged 25.18 to 75.49 MPa, 171.35 to 209.40 cc/m2/day and 83 to 101.47 g/m2/day, respectively, for the developed Films. The thickness, transparency of Film and carrying capacity are comparable with the presently used conventional plastic for the different uses including as that of Single Use Plastic. The Carry Bags of the different sizes - 350x300 MM; 400x300 MM; 450x450 MM were developed for the handling of 1 to 2 Kg Fruits and Vegetables; pairs of clothes / food-grains and cloth like Saree, respectively. The developed Carry Bags were tested for the handling of Onion, Pulses & clothes namely Saree and found to be suitable.
The biodegradability study of the developed films using soil burial test indicated 80% to 90% in weight loss after 365 days. One Kg of bio-material produces 21 Mtr. length Film (90 µm thick). The cost of 1 Kg commercially available Polymeric Film Roll is about Rs. 200 to Rs. 250/-. The cost of biodegradable film on mass scale production is expected to be the same as the commercial plastic film. The developed biodegradable film can be considered as a true replacement of the presently used Single Use Plastic.
Such Bio-polymers driven research would contribute to a sustainable environment, economy (generation of high value from agriculture feed stocks) and society (environment-friendly raw materials for healthy life) and may fulfill the requirement of alternatives of the presently used Single Use Plastic and other types of thicker plastics.
(Source: Division of Agricultural Engineering, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi)
