Pune: The panel discussion at PLASTO 2025 focused on biodegradable polymers challenges & opportunities. Current plastics are mainly non-biodegradable and non-compostable. The waste from these plastics is diffiult to manage and leads to socio-ecological problems.

Landfilling and incineration both cause ecological problems. Hence, biodegradable and compostable polymers that are derived from both synthetic and agricultural feedstocks are the need of the hour. However, these polymers are quite expensive at the moment and significant efforts are needed to make these polymers available to the common man.

The panel discussion focused on this main aspect: Producing the biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid or PLA and selling these polymers for mainly packaging and other applications is challenging but Praj (Dr. Kumbhar) has managed to do this in our Maharashtra state. Skyi FKUR Polymers (Dr. Sachin Jain) in collaboration with a MNC has developed applications for these biodegradable polymers for both Indian and foreign markets. Mumbai based ERRL (Dr. Jadia) company is the Govt authorized laboratory that undertakes testing of these biodegradable or compostable polymers and certifies them to be used for Indian markets. CSIR-NIIST Trivandrum (DR. Kundu) works on developing advanced testing methods for biodegradable or compostable polymers.

CSIR-NCL (Dr. Paresh Dhepe) works on using agricultural waste feedstocks for producing monomers that can be converted into polymers. Dr. Harshawardhan Pol (Sr. Pri. Scientist at CSIR-NCL Pune) moderated this panel discussion and conveyed a vote of thanks. Other panel discussion focused on plastics recycling and its effect on environment.

In this discussion, Dr. Samir Chikkali (Sr. Pri. Scientist at CSIR-NCL Pune) moderated this panel discussion in which panelists included Dr. Medha Tadpatrikar of Rudra Envisolutions), Mr. Swapan ray of ICP Mumbai, Mr. Rajiv of Swach, Mr. KRS Narayanan of Reliance Ind. Ltd. Mumbai and Mr. Shriniwas Adhe of Padcare. Other dignitaries that were present at panel discussion included Mr. Anil Naik (President of Assoc. fro Promotion of Plastics-APP), Mr. Ajay Zod (Chairman of PLASTO 2025), Mr. Sankarraman, Mr. Pranav Belhekar, Mr. Anand Kumbhojkar, Mr. Raj Mirje, Mr. Gopal Dhage and Mr. Sanjay Mehere all from APP.