DST inks pact with TGP Bioplastics startup to manufacture compostable plastics

Mumbai, Aug 17 (KNN) The department of science and technology (DST) has signed an MoU with a Maharashtra-based TGP Bioplastics startup to manufacture commercialise compostable plastics.

The agreement comes in the backdrop of the government's latest policy of banning the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of identified single-use plastic items, which have low utility and high littering potential.

Union Minister for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, has also announced a loan of Rs 1.15 crore for the startup to assist it in its efforts to replace single-use plastics.

The startup has managed to bring down the cost of degradable plastic to Rs 180 per kilogram, while maintaining comparable strength. With the loan, the company is targeting a manufacturing capacity of 880 tonnes per year.

Currently, there are very few environment friendly and economically viable alternatives to single-use plastics. The fewer available options are more expensive than non-degradable plastics. At the moment, the cheapest degradable polymer costs Rs 280 to Rs 300 per kilogram, while conventional plastic raw materials cost Rs 90 per kilogram.  (KNN Bureau)