In an exciting leap toward sustainable innovation, India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a revolutionary biodegradable packaging material using polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), a polymer derived from plants or petroleum sources. This new packaging solution is designed to fully decompose within just three months, leaving no harmful traces and offering a promising alternative to conventional plastics.

These biodegradable goods were successfully produced by the DRDO team at the Advanced Systems Laboratory in Hyderabad, under the direction of scientist Dr. K Veerabrahmam. According to reports, the PBAT-based packaging provides an environmentally responsible substitute without sacrificing quality, with strength and durability matching that of traditional plastics.  Studies on the effects on the environment, such as the International Organization for Standardization 17088 test, have verified that these recently created items are compostable.

More than 40 businesses have received free access to the technology in an effort to encourage wider use across the nation. Veerabrahmam stated: "DRDO and its partners are committed to maintaining these biodegradable bags cost-effective, even with a slightly higher production cost of ₹160 ($1.90) to ₹180 per kg compared to regular polyethylene bags at ₹140 per kg.

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“By sharing the technology free of charge and fostering collaborations, we aim to scale up production and distribution efficiently. This approach ensures that the benefits of this eco-friendly solution reach a broad audience.” 

This pilot program serves as a model for additional deployment in coastal regions, tourism sites, and other parts of the nation. This technology is said to have a wide range of potential uses, including packing films, shrink films, waste bags, aprons, and medical waste bags. This project is a big step in the right direction for domestic environmental preservation and sustainable living. The technology's patent is currently being worked on. The Advanced Systems Laboratory of the DRDO in Hyderabad has been conducting substantial research, which demonstrates their dedication to discovering the most environmentally acceptable alternatives to toxic plastic. The team said that the cooperation and the participation of many companies exemplify the collective effort required to combat the plastic pollution crisis.