![](https://www.nextias.com/ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/100593Screenshot_6.png)
In News
- A UK-based startup claims to have developed a Biotransformation Technology that could alter the state of plastics and make them biodegradable without leaving behind any microplastics
About Biotransformation Technology
- It is a novel approach to ensure plastics that escape refuse streams are processed efficiently and broken down.
- It was co-developed by the Imperial College in London, UK, and a Britain-based startup, Polymateria.
- The technology would digest the plastics packaging waste naturally with the help of microbes and biodegrade the waste without leaving behind any microplastics.
- This biotransformation technology is the world’s first that ensures polyolefins fully biodegrade in an open environment causing no microplastics.
How it works
Image Courtesy: polymateria
- Plastics made using this technology are given a pre-programmed time during which the manufactured material looks and feels like conventional plastics without compromising on quality.
- Once the product expires and is exposed to the external environment, it self-destructs and biotransforms into bioavailable wax.
- This wax is then consumed by microorganisms, converting waste into water, CO2, and biomass.
Applications
- Food packaging and healthcare industries are the two prime sectors that could use this technology to reduce waste.
- The increase in cost is relatively small compared to conventional plastic that does not contain” this technology.
Usage in India
- Some well-known Indian firms in the food and packaging industries deploy such technologies.
- Within the healthcare and pharma industries, this technology provides biodegradable solutions for non-woven hygiene products like diapers, sanitary napkins, facial pads, etc.
Other initiatives of India
- Government introduced a plastic waste management gazette to help tackle the ever-growing plastic pollution caused by single-use plastics.
- In 2022, the Indian government imposed a ban on single-use plastics to bring a stop to their use in the country.
- The National Dashboard on Elimination of Single-Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management brings all stakeholders together to track the progress made in eliminating single-use plastic and effectively managing such waste.
- An Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) portal helps in improving accountability traceability and facilitating ease of compliance reporting in relation to EPR obligations of the producers, importers, and brand-owners.
- India has also developed a mobile app to report single-use plastics grievances to check the sale, usage or manufacturing of single-use plastics in their area.
Other alternatives to reducing plastic waste
- A switch to jute or paper-based packaging could potentially cut down plastic waste. This could also build sustainability within the paper industry, and save on the import bill for ethylene solutions.
- Wooden packaging is yet another alternative, but that will make the packaging bulkier and increase the cost.
Do you Know ?
|
Previous article
Amendment to Finance Bill 2023
Next article
Daylight Saving Time