PBAT

PBAT

Context: PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable, chemical-free polymer introduced by Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat, Tripura, as a compostable alternative to single-use plastic under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban.

 Important Pointers:  

  • PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate): A biodegradable, chemical-free polymer used as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. 

  • Tripura’s Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat Initiative: Introduced PBAT-based compostable bags under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban to replace plastic. 

  •  Decomposability: These bags naturally degrade within 180 days, unlike conventional plastic which can take hundreds of years. 

  • Certification by CIPET: Certified by the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology for meeting compostability and biodegradability standards. 

  • Affordability: Priced at ₹145/kg (wholesale) and ₹160/kg (retail), making them accessible for widespread use. 

  •  Supports Circular Economy and SDGs: Encourages eco-friendly consumption and aligns with India’s Sustainable Development Goals. 

Plastic Waste Management Innovations: 

  • RRR Model (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle): Promoted under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban to build a plastic-free, sustainable circular economy. 

  • Trichy Cloth Bag Campaign: The “Thunippai Thiruvizhai” initiative in Tamil Nadu promoted reusable cloth bags and reduced 3,100 kg of SUPs across three farmers’ markets. 

  •  Digital Deposit Refund System (DRS): Implemented in Kedarnath and other Char Dham sites, offers ₹10 deposit returns for plastic bottles tracked via QR codes. 

  • Impact of DRS: Recycled 20 lakh plastic bottles, reduced 66 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and created over 110 jobs. 

  •  Buy-Back in Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The milk pouch return scheme rewarded citizens with 352 litres of milk for 17,600 pouches collected, fostering recycling habits. 

  •  Plastic Recycling Facility (PRF) in Patiala: Converts multilayered plastic waste into durable chipboards used in construction, with a capacity of 10 tonnes/day. 

  • Eco-friendly Chipboards: PRF’s chipboards are water- and termite-resistant, serving as an alternative to plywood in temporary housing and furniture.