Royal Bengal Greentech

Biodegradable plastics made from food sources are often seen as a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based packaging. However, because they are not only more expensive but also compete with food supply, these trade-offs have limited their widespread use.

RBG is changing that with BhavisyaPlast™, its patented thermosetting biodegradable plastic made from agricultural waste such as broken rice. BhavisyaPlast™ decomposes naturally in soil and water within just 90 days, unlike traditional plastics that persist for centuries.

What sets BhavisyaPlast™ apart is its heat resistance of up to 200°C, making it the first known biodegradable plastic of its kind suitable for high-temperature applications. It outperforms low-density polyethylene in several key performance metrics, offering a more sustainable solution without compromising functionality.

As it’s made from agricultural waste, BhavisyaPlast™ has the potential for mass-market adoption in a cost-effective way. RBG plans to commercialise BhavisyaPlast™ for tertiary packaging (the outermost layer of packaging), with future applications in labels, coatings, and flexible PVC replacements.

With support from TRANSFORM, RBG will conduct pilot trials with Unilever’s R&D to test BhavisyaPlast™ for packaging and labelling. The vision is to scale the patented technology through a licensing model, making it available not only to Unilever but also to companies in the food, pharmaceutical and automotive industries that can benefit from sustainable packaging solutions.
 

The collaboration also aims to support marginalised communities by offering fairer prices to local farmers for agricultural waste, and promoting gender equality within the workforce.
 

By 2030, RBG aims to reach over 50,000 general consumers and create local employment for at least 100 individuals. Half of these jobs will be held by women in roles such as packing, labelling, inventory management and accounting.