IndiGlobal Bureau
In the wake of the Union government banning SUP items from July 1, IIT Guwahati is mulling over a possible tie-up with the industry to develop biodegradable plastic, polymers and resins in creating carry bags, food trays, toys and medical equipment.
IIT Guwahati is working on different projects by using indigenously developed biodegradable plastic, polymers and resins in creating carry bags, food trays, toys and medical equipment, Dr Vimal Katiyar, Dean of the premier institute’s Research and Development informed.
The institute is trying to tie up with the industrial sector so that it learns to create different products from biodegradable plastic and make these things available to consumers, he said. Dr Katiyar was in Indore to participate in a function of the plastic industry.
Meanwhile, president of the city-based Indian Plast Pack Forum, Sachin Bansal, said his organisation has decided to join hands with IIT Guwahati to get training in the technique of creating different things from biodegradable plastic. A delegation of the forum will visit IIT Guwahati, he said.
“The Centre’s ban has stalled the production of single-uses plastic worth Rs 100 crore in Madhya Pradesh alone,” Bansal said, adding that they were trying to find a practical alternative to SUP so that its production starts.
It may be noted that IIT-Guwahati incubated Renergy Solutions provides clean power solutions for remote and non-electrified locations in Northeast India already. With an increased focus on climate change, there is a slow but steady switch to greener energy alternatives.
Experts feel that IIT Guwahati is rightly placed and as it is the gateway to the Northeastern states, the initiative of having a tie-up with the industry to develop several eco-friendly plastic would have a spiraling effect as the institution can become the nodal agency for all future developments in terms of research, expansion of the idea, furthering the growth and awareness in the region.
