News: Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has garnered national attention for its proactive step under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban by introducing compostable PBAT bags as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic. PBAT plastic
About PBAT plastic
- PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable, compostable polymer.
- It is synthetic but behaves like natural biodegradable materials.
- It is designed to decompose quickly in composting environments.
Key Features of PBAT Plastic
- Biodegradable: Breaks down into non-toxic byproducts (CO₂, water, biomass) under industrial composting conditions.
- Certified Compostable: Approved by standards such as CIPET in India for eco-friendly applications.
- Flexible and Durable: Similar in strength and functionality to traditional plastics.
- Chemical-Free: Safe for packaging food and other sensitive materials.
- Decomposes in ~180 days: Much faster than conventional plastic (which takes 500+ years).
- Heat-Sealable & Printable: Makes it suitable for commercial use in bags, wraps, etc.
Environmental Benefits
- It reduces dependence on single-use plastic.
- It leaves no toxic residue in soil or water.
- It supports Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban and SDG goals.
- It promotes circular economy practices when used in municipal waste systems.
Applications
- They are increasingly used as carry bags for everyday shopping, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic bags.
- In agriculture, mulch films made from compostable material help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth, while being biodegradable and safe for the environment.
- These bags are also utilized in packaging food and groceries, ensuring both safety and environmental compliance without contributing to plastic pollution.
- They are employed as waste disposal bags, particularly for biomedical and organic waste, where safe decomposition is critical.
Limitations
- It needs industrial composting facilities for proper degradation (not ideal for open littering). It must be used and disposed of correctly for environmental benefits to materialize.
- It is slightly costlier than conventional plastic (e.g., ₹145/kg wholesale).
