Tripura rolls out compostable PBAT bags to curb plastic use

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

Certified by the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) for meeting compostability and bio-degradability standards, the bags decompose within 180 days, offering a practical alternative to conventional plastics that can take centuries to break down.

Priced at ₹145/kg (~$1.74/kg) wholesale and ₹160/kg (~$1.92/kg) retail, the bags are both affordable and accessible. Local authorities are actively engaging with the community to promote the use of compostable bags, reduce plastic pollution, and encourage responsible waste management for a sustainable future, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs said in a release.

The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, which is driving innovation across Indian cities through the RRR (Recycle, Reuse, Recover) model. Urban Local Bodies are combining infrastructure, technology, and citizen engagement to promote sustainable, plastic-free lifestyles. Guided by Swabhav, Swachhata, Sanskar, the Mission is driving grassroots change and supporting India’s Sustainable Development Goals.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)