Bio-degradable plastic yet not viable

CHANDIGARH, Dec 4: An Indian company in association with the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur has patented the process of making a bio-degradable plastic. Though, not the final solution to the ecological threat posed by plastics, the polymer could be the first step towards one.

This was stated by Arunava Guha, Chief Regional Manager, Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited IPCL, at the International Conference on Agro Packaging, here today. Guha was speaking on the applications of plastic in post- harvest agriculture.

Guha said that the IPCL and IIT, Kharagpur, had patented the polymer five years ago, quot;but the economics has not been worked out yetquot;. He added that the bio-degradable plastic developed so far also lacks in certain properties of plastic. quot;Not only is it about 2.5 times more expensive than regular plastic, it is also inferior in quality. It will take more time to make it commercially viable,quot; Guha revealed.