Symphony to launch green plastic

India's first completely bio-degradable plastic will be launched by June this year by Bangalore based Symphony Polymers.

According to Mahendra Jain, director, "This is the most advanced type of biodegradable plastic. Once it disintegrates, it does not harm even if it is accidentally consumed by animals."

He said that India could be free of hazardous plastic within five years even if close to 50 per cent of the plastics used were of the biodegradable variety.

The plastic was twice as expensive as conventional plastic but less expensive than paper bags.

Besides, said Jain, the plastic has the same strength and finish as the non-degradable plastic and could be manufactured with a predetermined life from six months to five years depending on the need of the buyer.

"Oxo-biodegradable plastic is already widely used in Europe and our product has got the RAPRA certification from the UK," said Jain. Symphony Polymers has tied up with Symphony Technologies, UK, for know-how.

Symphony would launch food packaging boxes, water drinking cups and confectionery wrappers soon.

It has applied for ISO200001 certification. It has its plant in Himachal Pradesh.

The Bangalore-based company was finalising agreements with bulk buyers in sectors like milk, bread and with forest departments for the use of biodegradable plastic.

"We are also looking at jewellery stores, high-end food chains and retail stores, airlines and hospitals," he said.

Garment exporters had also been approached. "Initially we plan to cater to the high-end segment. But we hope to increase our volumes with adequate government support and eventually cater to the low-end segments," said Jain.