Sustainable Product Biodegradable Plastics

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT Biodegradable Plastics Product Management – Presentation 2 Submitted to Prof. Pinaki Dasgupta

ExPGDM Group 2

Alok Saha(06) Vijaya Gopal(53) Krishnendu Paitandy(16) Vivek Pandey(57)

Plastics can be produced from starch Starch is a natural polymer produced by plants during photosynthesis. Cereal plants and tubers contain starch in large proportions.  Starch can be processed directly into a bioplastic which is soluble in water, articles made from starch will deform when exposed to moisture thus limiting its use.  This problem is overcome by modifying the starch harvested from corn, wheat or potatoes into a different polymer by having the microorganisms transform it into lactic acid, a monomer.  Lactic acid is chemically treated to cause the molecules of lactic acid to link up into long chains or polymers, which bond together to form a plastic called polylactide (PLA). 

Product Introduction ◦ New semi-crystalline largely transparent thermoplastic that is 100% biodegradable, breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass under composting conditions and is recyclable. ◦ It has excellent mechanical properties including a high tensile strength. The plastic has additional green credentials as it is produced without solvents or chlorine Etc. ◦ Its degradation rate is comparable to that of other organic materials that are composted, and yet its physical properties are similar to those of typical polyolefins such as LDPE.

Bioplastic products

Packing material

Decomposition of Bioplastics

Composting the packaging with its contents Compost may be the key to maximizing the real environmental benefit of biodegradable plastics.  One of the big impediments to composting our organic waste is that it is so mixed up with non-degradable plastic packaging that it is uneconomic to separate them. Consequently, the entire mixed waste stream ends up in landfill. Organic waste makes up almost half the components of landfill.  By ensuring that biodegradable plastics are used to package all the organic produce, it is possible to set up large-scale composting lines in which packaging and the material it contains can be composted as one. The resulting compost could be channeled into plant production, which in turn might be redirected into growing the starch to produce more biodegradable plastics. 

Consumption of Plastics in Packaging and Consumer Products in India

Market segment Retailers involved in green practices.  Fiber market. ◦ Bedding & Apparel ◦ Nonwoven Disposables  Packaging Industry. ◦ Food(Processed & Fresh) ◦ Consumer and Industrial products  Household products.  Waste management.  Disposables medical supplies 

Target Market 

The most common market for bioplastics today is packaging. Existing applications include

◦ Biodegradable plastic shopping bags. ◦ Packaging Industry.

Product Promotion Involvement

& partnership with NGO’s Educating the part of industry which has use for the product. Enhance their CSR initiatives. Influencing & educating the stakeholders(Govt. agencies, NGO’s etc) to bring in legislation banning use of paper bags & extension of current legislation to ban conventional polyethene in all forms. 

Distribution Channel Members Distributor 3.Clearly defined territory with no overlap. 4.5 days credit(PDC) 5.3% margin. 6.4 days inventory. 7.Strong infrastructure required. 8.Appoint Wholesellers in consultation with stockist. Stockist 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Strong infrastructure & logistics. Defined territory. Strong understanding of the geography & retail trade. Ability to identify able wholesellers. 4% margin. 4 days credit(PDC) 4 days inventory.

•Wholeseller 23.Experinenced person with proven credentials. 24.Strong understanding of the geography. 25.Person with integrity. 26.3% margin with no credit. 27.Supply on demand.

Pricing of the product Reasonable price comparable with Paper bags.  Request for Tax Exemption to benefit the end user.  Request for subsidies for additives used.  R&D support by the Govt/Industry to keep product development cost low & focus on core competency. 

Volume

Small Retailer

Big Retailer

0.5 Kg

Rs 0.5

NA

1 Kg

Rs 0.75

NA

5 Kg

Rs 2.0

Rs 1.75

10 Kg

Rs 3.5

Rs 3.0

20 Kg

NA

Rs 5.5

THANK YOU

Target Market Mulch film from biodegradable plastics  Mulch films are laid over the ground around crops, to control weed growth and retain moisture. Normally, farmers use polyethylene black plastic that is pulled up after harvest and sent to a landfill (taking with it topsoil humus ).  Usage of the biodegradable mulch film have shown that, it performs as good as polyethylene film but can be ploughed into the ground after harvest.  This form of disposal is easier, cheaper and enriches the soil with carbon 