DRDO shares tech with 40 Ind to promote biodegradable packaging

Hyderabad: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said its scientist Dr K Veerabrahmam and his team has developed biodegradable packaging products using PBAT, a biodegradable polymer derived from petroleum products or plant oils. This technology has been shared freely with more than 40 industries.

This biodegradable material can be utilised for medical waste bags, aprons, garbage bags, nursery bags, shrink films, and packing films, DRDO said in an official release. The research has been conducted by Advanced Systems Laboratory of DRDO in Hyderabad. The patent of this technology is in progress.

Dr K Veerabrahmam, Scientist, DRDO, said: “Despite its slight higher production cost, which is

Rs 160 to 180 per kg, compared to traditional polyethylene bags at Rs 140 per kg, DRDO and its partners are committed to keeping these biodegradable bags cost-effective. By sharing the technology free of cost and fostering collaborations, we aim to scale up production and distribution efficiently. This approach ensures that the benefit of this eco-friendly solution will reach a broad customer base.”

The pilot project is implemented at Tirumala temple, where biodegradable bags are now used for distributing Tirupati Laddus. DRDO Chairman Satish Reddy, along with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Executive Officer Dr K S Jawahar Reddy and Additional EO A V Dharma Reddy, inaugurated an exclusive sale counter at Tirumala. This pilot project will serve as a model for further implementation in tourist destinations, coastal areas, and other regions, the release further mentioned.

DRDO informed that environmental impact studies, including the IS 17088 test, have confirmed that these biodegradable bags decompose within three months, leaving no harmful residue behind.