Description

Source: PIB

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Kamalpur Nagar Panchayat in Tripura has introduced compostable bags made from PBAT as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic.

This initiative aligns with India’s mission to curb plastic pollution and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

What is PBAT?

PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable, compostable thermoplastic polymer.

It is petroleum-based yet biodegrades completely under industrial composting.

Structure: Copolymer of:

Adipic acid

1,4-butanediol

Terephthalic acid

Can be processed using conventional plastic manufacturing techniques making it an ideal replacement for conventional plastic in packaging applications.

Properties of PBAT

Property	Details
Biodegradability	Fully biodegradable and compostable within 180 days under industrial conditions (ASTM D6400 / EN 13432 standards).
Flexibility & Toughness	Comparable to low-density polyethylene (LDPE); suitable for films and bags.
Barrier Properties	Good resistance to moisture and chemicals; protects contents.
Thermal Stability	Stable in a range of processing and operational temperatures.
Eco-Safety	Decomposes into CO₂, water and biomass leaving no toxic residue.

Applications of PBAT

Compostable plastic carry bags

Agricultural mulch films

Disposable packaging (wrappers, liners)

Biomedical waste bags

Blends with other biopolymers to make high-strength compostable products

PBAT vs PLA (Polylactic Acid)

Feature	PBAT	PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Source	Synthetic (fossil-based)	Bio-based (derived from corn, sugarcane)
Biodegradability	High – fast degradation in industrial composting	Biodegradable but slower than PBAT
Flexibility	Highly flexible, durable	Brittle, rigid
Cost	Lower than PLA; still higher than polyethylene	Higher than PBAT
Applications	Carry bags, flexible films, liners	Cutlery, rigid containers, electronics packaging
Composting Needs	Requires industrial composting	Can degrade in controlled composting; slower in nature

Relevance to India’s Plastic Policy

Policy/Initiative	Connection with PBAT
Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 & 2022	Promotes compostable plastic alternatives to single-use plastic.
Swachh Bharat Mission	Encourages municipalities like Kamalpur to adopt plastic alternatives.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)	Manufacturers can meet EPR obligations by using compostable polymers.
India’s G20 Presidency (Lifestyle for Environment – LiFE)	PBAT promotes responsible consumption and sustainability.

Sources:

PIB

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the challenges faced in implementing biodegradable plastic policies in urban local bodies. Suggest policy and infrastructure-based solutions. 250 words