PROJECT REPORT MINI

“BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC BAGS”

(Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

MBA

By

Under the guidance of Rani kumari

Faiz siddque FATHER’S NAME MR. Kewal mishra

Asst. Professor Batch of 2024-2026

Accurate group of institutions

PLOT NO 49, KNOWLEDGE PARK-3, GREATER NOIDA-201306 (UP)

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 CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY

(To be filled in by the student in his / her handwriting)

Rani kumari daughter of MR Kewal mishra of Batch 2024-2026 is a fulltime bonafide

student of 1st year of MBA Program of LBS, Greater Noida. I hereby certify that this
project work carried out by me at “BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC BAGS” the report
submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the program is an original
work of mine under the guidance of the faculty mentor OSHIN DIXIT and is not
based or reproduced from any existing work of any other person or on any earlier
work undertaken at any other time or for any other purpose, and has not been
submitted anywhere else at any time

(Student's Signature)
Date: ________________

(Faculty Mentor's Signature)

Date: ___________________

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This project is the outcome of sincere efforts, hard work and constant guidance of not only
me but a number of individuals. First and foremost, I would like to thank accurate, GREATER
NOIDA. I am thankful to my guide Faiz siddque for providing me help and support
throughout the Project Report period. I owe a debt of gratitude to my faculty guide who not
only gave me valuable inputs about the industry but was a continuous source of inspiration
during these months, without whom this Project was never such a great success.

Last but not the least I would like to thank all my Faculty members, friends and family
members who have helped me directly or indirectly in the completion of the project.

Name of Student RANI KUMARI

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 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the mini titled “BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC BAGS” Submitted for the Award of
MBA at Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow is my original work and the dissertation
has not formed the basis for the award of any degree, associate ship, fellowship or any other.

The material borrowed from similar titles other sources and incorporated in the dissertation has
been duly acknowledged. I understand that I myself could be held responsible and accountable for
plagiarism, if any, detected later on. The papers published based on the conducted out of the course
of the study are also based on the study and not borrowed from other sources.

Name of Student RANI KUMARI

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 Table of Contents
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……6
2. History of smart Shoes………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
3. Scope of Innovation…………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
4. Feasibility…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………10
Financial Feasibility & Operating/Production Feasibility
5. Description……………………………………………………………………………………..………………………….15
6. Benefit of smart shoes………………………………………………………………………………………………..17
7. How electronic smart shoes………………………………………………………………………………………..18
8. Electronic smart shoes………………………………………………………………………………………………..18
9. Electronic machnical smart shoes……………………………………………………………………………….25
10. Machanical smart shoes……………………………………………………………………………………………..26
11. Challenges and the future of smart shoes…………………………………………………………………..28
12. Digitole……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….29
13. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..32
14. References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….33

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INTRODUCTION
The term “Biodegradable” refers to anything or substances that can be degraded by
the natural forces and micro-organisms and Bio-degradable plastics refer to those
plastics that can be decomposed by the micro-organisms and also natural factors
such as rain, sunlight, etc. Hence these bags will not pose to be a threat to the
environment. Plastic bags can be made “Oxo-biodegradable” by manufacturing
theme from the normal polyethylene or the polypropylene and then incorporating an
additive that can cause them to degrade and then biodegradation of the polymer by
oxidation

Biodegradable plastic bags are made up of natural products and they can
be broken down by microorganisms under controlled conditions, unlike
traditional plastic. This is the major factor which makes them biodegradable,
that they can decompose naturally when introduced in the environment. This
outcome makes the biodegradable plastic bags eco-friendly .

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Numerable natural and plant-based products are used in the making
of eco-friendly products. A large number of items have made their
way into this category allows people to bask in the lifestyle of
healthy, premium, and waste-free. The biodegradable plastic bags
don’t produce harmful products upon their decomposition. The
traditional plastic produces pollutants during decomposition and
take years to compost. Plastic makes our lives easier in many ways
and it is an essential part of our daily lives. We use plastic products
in several forms such as grocery bags, garbage bags, bottles,
stationery products, and many more.

Every year we use 5 trillion disposable plastic bags and almost 80

per cent of the plastic cannot be recycled which is being disposed of
in the landfill or in the ocean. Now scientists have discovered
microplastic embedded in the Arctic ice so just imagine the impact
of non-biodegradable plastic and plastic waste on the world. That’
why we need to move alternative options.

The term “Biodegradable” refers to substances that can be

degraded by natural forces and micro-organisms, and
Biodegradable plastics refer to those plastics that can be
decomposed by micro-organisms in addition to natural factors
such as rain, sunlight... With the rising awareness among people
regarding different environmental concerns. Biodegradable bags
do not pose a threat to the environment, in comparison to plastic
bags or others.

This consultancy aims to produce an in-depth feasibility study on

the production of biodegradable bags and other sustainable
green packaging alternatives, in addition to explore
employability and business opportunities on the production of
biodegradable bags and other initiatives related to
environmentally friendly packaging of consumables and
exploring opportunities in green economy. Along with mapping of
existing green initiatives in the West Bank and Gaza, to also
identify other potential ones to be developed, to support the
green economy with a focus on green packaging and mapping
out of initiatives and companies that are implementing
alternatives to single use plastic and other green/sustainable
techniques.

Biodegradable bags: Why were they invented?

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Unlike plastics, biodegradable bags are made from petrochemicals,
which break down more quickly (in roughly 12 months).

They contain additives that break down in the presence of moisture

(heat) and light. No chemicals are used in the manufacturing of
these bags, thus making them environmentally friendly. With these
benefits, biodegradable garbage bags reduce waste produced
from garbage bags every single day.

Biodegradable bags: Impact on the industry and

environment.
When biodegradable bags are produced and sold, there is a shift in
consumer preferences towards eco-friendly packaging.

With growing market awareness about environmental friendly

packaging, trends in the packaging industry shift towards a greener
future; a future free of white pollution. Even when recycling of
plastics is encouraged, attempts at making it successful have been
less effective. An increase in availability of biodegradable options
allows consumers to choose from an environmentally responsible
level of understanding.

Biodegradable bags: What about recycling and

cost?
Biodegradable plastics have a ‘7’ marked on them, while most
recyclable plastics have a mark number of ‘1’ or ‘2’. A number ‘7’
plastic cannot be mixed and put to recycle because it would
contaminate the entire load of recyclable plastics. This only means
you have to take slightly extra care while disposing biodegradable
bags.

Biodegradable bags also cost more than normal garbage bags. Sure
they do, but when it comes to choosing bio packs, buying
biodegradable bags over normal plastics leaves you with a better
feeling of saving the environment

Biodegradable Plastics:
The biodegradable bag products are nontoxic elements which are
harmless and produces only 32 per cent of the greenhouse gases as
compared to traditional plastic products. Biodegradable plastic
requires only 35 per cent of the energy needed to manufacture as
compared to non-biodegradable products. The biodegradable
products reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and on non-
8
renewable resources. They are made with organic matter that can
greatly reduce the waste which is a major reason for the land, water,
and air pollution. These type of products can be reused and
recyclable which helps in decreasing the waste. Biodegradable
plastic can become a whole new industry on its own. These types of
products are a new way to reduce carbon and waste footprints.
Switching to this product helps in eliminating the impact of pollution
on the environment. They are products which support sustainable
business.

Advantages of Biodegradable Bags:

 One of the major advantages of biodegradable Plastic is
that it helps in the significant reduction in carbon emissions
during their manufacturing process as compared to the
regular plastic. The raw material used to manufacture the
biodegradable plastics are plant-based which produced
minimal carbon during the composting process.
 Biodegradable plastics require a lesser amount of energy to
manufacture. The less energy required and the lesser
pollution produced by the biodegradable plastic bags.
 Biodegradable products are eco-friendly and they require a
proper process for disposal. The biodegradable plastic
products automatically reduce the amount of waste that
would otherwise be sent to landfills.
 The biodegradable products take significantly less time to
breakdown as compared to traditional plastic. They can
further be recycled and put less impact on the environment
as they are made up of plant-based oils which contain no
chemicals or toxins.
 In the manufacturing of biodegradable plastics, the fewer
amount of greenhouse gases emissions escape into the
atmosphere. Switching to biodegradable plastics would
help in reducing the environmental pollution.

Disadvantages of Non-Biodegradable
Products:
Non-biodegradable products produce a hefty amount of pollution.
Almost 13 million tonnes of plastic waste gets dumped into the
ocean every year. The non-biodegradable products are made from
synthetic products, chemicals, toxin products, and other harmful
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products. They take centuries to degrade and leave toxic residue
behind. They don’t break down easily and if they get dumped, they
produce toxic gases which are proven to be hard for the
environment.

History of Biodegradable plastic

Previous to the discovery of petroleum-based plastics, all the plastic
materials used were of natural origin. Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs
were using materials like natural latex and rubber already in 1500
BC.
In 1855, the first-ever man-made plastic was made from cellulose,
so it actually was a bioplastic. The discovery was made by
Alexander Parkes and he called it Parkesine. Nowadays, the material
is known as celluloid.
In 1907 Bakelite was invented. This was the first fully synthetic
plastic. It was discovered by Belgian-American chemist Leo
Baekeland. This was the first synthetic plastic to be mass-produced.
The mass-production of synthetic plastics was mastered after 1930,
and there was a boom of petroleum-based plastics after World
War II in an effort to recover the economy.
In 1926, Frech scientist Maurice Lemoigne discovered what is now
considered the first known bioplastic made from
bacteria called polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Unfortunately, his
discovery was neglected for several decades, because at that time
petroleum was abundant and cheap and the pollution was not yet
considered a problem.
In 1930 Henry Ford started to use some bioplastics made from soy
oil in order to manufacture some car parts. However, he stopped
using it after WWII as the synthetic plastics became widely
available and cheap.
In the decade of 1970s, there was a petroleum crisis that sparked
interest in looking for solutions that didn’t require oil as the raw
material, as the oil was scarce and expensive.
In 1975, Japanese scientists discovered a bacteria (Flavobacterium)
that was able to break down nylon, this is how the principle of
biodegradable plastics was conceived.
The company Novamont was funded in 1990. They are the current
leader in bioplastic production. MATER-BI is its flagship family of
biodegradable and compostable bioplastics.
In 2010 first bioplastics made from seaweed were invented. This is
a big step, as the plantation of seaweed does not require chemical
pesticides, fertilizers, and land. The resulting bioplastic is rigid,

10
durable and at the end of the life cycle, it is compostable and
becomes a natural fertilizer.
Nowadays, companies and laboratories of all sizes keep
researching the field. Many of them are already producing
biodegradable and compostable alternatives to petroleum-based
plastics. Consumers and even companies prefer to purchase safer
and more environmentally friendly products as the public
environmental conscience is increasing.

Scope of biodegradable plastic bags

Uttarakhand in the Himalayas of northern India has long faced
pollution concerns. Lack of a proper waste disposal system and no
measures to check the use of non-biodegradable material have
made cleanliness and ecological balance a distant dream.
Truckloads of garbage are being dumped on the land and even in
regional water bodies. The vast majority of this waste consists of
non-biodegradable material – mostly plastic bags and related items.
In response, the government banned plastic bags, but this leaves a
gap in how to carry purchased wares.

The solution
Ecobags provide a clean, safe, and eco-friendly alternative. Made of
100 per cent biodegradable material – old newspaper bags, jute
twine, and flour-based adhesive – Ecobags can bear a stronger load
than conventional bags. Two layers of used newspaper are pasted
together with a thin piece of rope in an innovative design, resulting
in a bag that can carry 2.5 kilograms.

The durable and reusable bags can be mass-produced by self-help

groups in common facility centers, and then sold to the public. Since
being introduced into the local markets of the Nainital District,
Ecobags has filled the demand for an alternative to plastic bags, and
they are gaining in popularity.

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 Feasibility

Abstract
Plastic packaging is essential to ensuring the safety and quality
of foods and also to determining their shelf life. In this area
innovation research is required, regarding the development and
implementation of some bio-based biodegradable
synthetic biopolymer materials able to replace the plastic
packaging materials currently used in the food industry.
Considering the financial impact of this replacement, an ante and
post-complementary economic analysis is needed to allow for the
transformation of this valuable idea into a sustainable project
with a high impact on consumers’ health, as well as an ecological
and economic impact. This research aims at presenting
an econometric efficiency model for implementing the solution in
order to increase the attractiveness of changing current
technologies in eco-friendly terms through a smart solution
addressed to major food packaging developers. The study
represents an element of novelty by proposing an effective and
widely applicable solution to the environment, as well as the
medical, and socio-economic fields.

Materials and methods

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The development of a financial impact study on the adoption of smart solutions for
the food industry in the sense of replacing the petroleum-based polymers with bio-
based biodegradable synthetic biopolymers is a pole of interest for package
manufacturers and users. For this reason, this paper proposes an original analysis
model to quantify the effectiveness of the implementation solution in a manner that
demonstrates the attractiveness of changing the current technologies in eco-
friendly

What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics are derived from or synthesized by bacteria, or by plants.
In contrast with the plastic that we all know to be made of
petroleum, bioplastics are made from renewable sources and
are biodegradable.

USP
Biodegradable plastic bags are made up of natural products and they
can be broken down by microorganisms under controlled conditions,
unlike traditional plastic. This is the major factor which makes them
biodegradable, that they can decompose naturally when introduced in
the environment. This outcome makes the biodegradable plastic bags
eco friendly. Every year millions of tonnes of plastic dump into the
landfills and ocean which is proven to be harmful to all the living beings.
Plastic bags, garbage bags, cups, spoons, plates, and many more are
the products which we used in daily life and harming our environment in
the worst possible ways. Easy flux compostable bags are
biodegradable bags which can be converted into compost and make
the soil fertile. These products are not made up of artificial chemicals so
their decay improves the soil quality and enhancing the soil fertility.
They offer various products which include Easy flux compostable
shopping bags, carry bags, grocery bags, envelopes, and many
more. These products are made from cornstarch and are 100%
degradable. These products are government-approved biodegradable
bags which helps in the management of the waste. Numerable natural
and plant-based products are used in the making of eco-friendly
products. The biodegradable plastic bags don’t produce harmful
products upon their decomposition. The traditional plastic produces
pollutants during decomposition and take years to compost. Plastic
13
makes our lives easier in many ways and it is an essential part of our
daily lives. Every year we use 5 trillion disposable plastic bags and
almost 80 per cent of the plastic cannot be recycled which is being
disposed of in the landfill or in the ocean. Now scientists have
discovered microplastic embedded in the Arctic ice so just imagine the
impact of non-biodegradable plastic and plastic waste on the world. That’
why we need to move alternative options.
The biodegradable bag products are nontoxic elements which are
harmless and produces only 32 per cent of the greenhouse gases as
compared to traditional plastic products. Biodegradable plastic requires
only 35 per cent of the energy needed to manufacture as compared to
non-biodegradable products. The reduce the dependence on fossil fuels
and on non-renewable resources. They are made with organic matter
that can greatly reduce the waste which is a major reason for the land,
water, and air pollution. These type of products can be reused and
recyclable which helps in decreasing the waste. Biodegradable plastic
can become a whole new industry on its own. These types of products
are a new way to reduce carbon and waste footprints. Switching to this
product helps in eliminating the impact of pollution on the environment.
They are products which support sustainable business

Description
Biodegradable plastic is plastic that’s designed to break up
when exposed to the presence of microorganisms, it is usually
made from natural byproducts, and follows rigorously
controlled conditions of temperature and humidity in industrial
environments. Most biodegradable and compostable plastics
are called bioplastic and they are generally made from plants
(such as bamboo or sugarcane) rather than fossil fuels. For
these bioplastics to be fairly and effectively biodegradable,
their compostability needs to be confirmed according to
international standards to make sure they can be handled in
industrial composting plants.
One of the most recognized standards regarding
biodegradability is the European EN 13432. According
to NaturePlast’s literature review of standards on this subject,
for something to be considered biodegradable it needs to:

 1) Have a minimum volatile rate of 50%;

14
  2) Be able to fragment at least 10% of its initial weight
above a 2mm sieve after 12 weeks after being first
composted;
 3) Get at least 90% biodegraded (compared to the
maximum disintegration of a reference substance) in no
more than 6 months;
 4) Also, according to OCDE 208, when it comes to toxicity,
the resulting compost needs to perform at least 90%
compared to the corresponding reference compost.

Benefit of biodegradable plastic bags

1. Reduction In Carbon Emissions

 Polystar’s unique biodegradable material is made from PLA
bioplastic. As this is plant-based, the manufacturing process
produces far fewer carbon emissions than traditional plastic.
While traditional plastic releases four tons of emissions,
biodegradable plastics emit only 0.8 tons of carbon – a 500%
reduction!

2. Waste Reduction

 As biodegradable plastics break down over time, this means

there is a large reduction in the volume of waste being
created which means less waste ending up in landfill. With
less wastage taking up space in landfills, the outcome is less
overall waste to manage..

3. Repurposing & Recycling

 The oils that come from plants make bioplastics far superior
materials compared to traditional plastic types. The oils
make the surface of bioplastics more malleable and less
brittle so that it’s easier to form new shapes and textures.

4. Reduced Pollution
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  As biodegradable products break down naturally, they
eventually decompose and are consumed by soil and other
natural components. This natural process means no forced
chemical reaction needs to take place to kickstart the
process and less pollution will happen as a result.

5. Non-Toxic

 Biodegradable bags are made from natural materials which

means that they are safer for users.
 Traditional plastics are made with harmful by-products and
chemicals which are a threat to the environment and life as
well.
 But this is not a case with biodegradable plastic, further
supporting the case for biodegradable plastics.

6. Less Petroleum

 Biodegradable plastics also minimises the use of petroleum

supplies. Traditional plastic is manufactured by oil molecules
being heated and treated to convert into polymers.
 Nearly 2.7 per cent of a country’s petroleum is used in
the traditional plastic manufacturing processes.

7. Brand Friendly

 Another benefit of biodegradable bags is the positive effect

it can have for your brand. Major corporations such as Coca-
Cola are using bioplastic products due to its sustainable
reputation. Choosing greener options can have a positive
impact on your brand alongside helping the environment.

Machines Required To Start Biodegradable Plastic

Bag Manufacturing Business:

a)Sealing and Cutting Machine :

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This machine is used to cut or seal the biodegradable plastic bag
as per required design and size.

b) Printing Machine :

This machine is used to print the company name, logo and choose
the color. Hence printing machine play an important role to
increase your brand awareness.

Raw Materials:
Compostable plastic granules are used as raw materials to
manufacture biodegradable plastic bags. These granules are
made from natural polymers and starch. They decompose very
naturally making the biodegradable bags eco-friendly.

17
Biodegradable Plastic Bag Manufacturing Process:
Compostable plastic granules are used as raw material and are
given as feed to the hopper in which they are melted into liquid
form. With the help of an extrusion machine, the film or sheet is
prepared which is then rolled on the rod. Using a printing
machine, company name, logo, etc are printed on the plastic bag.
To cut and seal the bag as per size and design, a cutting and
sealing machine is used.

METHODOLOGY AND WORKPLAN

The methodology of the study includes:

1. Fieldwork: to include meetings and/or focus group

discussions with existing initiatives. Public and private
market surveys to assess the social acceptance and
potential feasibility of different solutions.
2. Analysis: analysis of the practicality and viability of the
business to determine its likeliness to sustainably succeed;
to assess the technical, financial, legal, operational, and
timely aspects of the study.

.
Area Required:
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For small scale production, 400 [Link] area is required to start
a biodegradable plastic bag manufacturing business.

Electricity and Manpower :

40 Kw to 50Kw power and eight to nine workers are required to
start biodegradable bag manufacturing.

Types Of Biodegradable Plastic Bag:

 Polylactic Acid (PLA)
 Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
 Starch blends
 Cellulose based bags
 Others

Advantages Of Using Biodegradable Bags:

 Biodegradable bags are easily decomposable
 They are easy to recycle
 Reduces dependency on petroleum
 Cut down carbon footprint
 Biodegradable plastic is non toxic
 Cheaper alternative

Marketing of Biodegradable Bags:

Due to the ban on plastic covers, marketing of biodegradable

bags has become easy as you can sell these biodegradable bags
to local shops, supermarkets, grocery stores, fast food
restaurants, departmental stores, etc.
Here is the list of Indian states that have already imposed ban on
plastic bags:

What are the challenges?

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Plastics are a key material in modern life. They are versatile, light
and can be produced at relatively low cost. Currently, only about
1 % of plastics and plastic products on the global market are
considered bio-based, compostable and/or biodegradable (European
Bioplastics e.V., 2020b).

Most plastics continue to be made from fossil fuels in a process that

contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions along their value
chain. Indeed, plastics pollute throughout their life cycle from
production, to use and finally through their disposal.

Recycling rates of plastic are low and plastics leak into the
environment through, for example, littering, improper waste
management and wear and tear of products. They can stay in nature
for many years and potentially enter the food chain. Contamination
with plastic particles is a particular challenge in terms of keeping
compost made from separately collected bio-waste clean (EEA,
2020).

Conclusions
The petroleum-based polymers used in food packaging are not renewable and
biodegradable, thus leading to huge problems for the environment. Recycling
conventional plastics is often not economical, and thus a shift toward bio-based
biodegradable synthetic biopolymers used as food package materials becomes an
ideal option, due to their great potential to replace conventional petroleum-based
plastics, a view that today’s polymer scientists also share.

Factors driving the growth of biodegradable plastic

bags market :
 Ban on plastic bags and several single use plastic items.
 Consumer awareness on sustainable plastic solutions.
 Government interest in reducing the dependence on petroleum.
 Increase in dependence on environmentally friendly packaging
from textile and food industries.
 Adverse effects of plastic waste.

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SWOT ANALYSIS
Strength : Biodegradable plastics be degraded by natural forces
within 5 years which is the major advantages of normal plastics. The
issues of Global Warming and rising levels of pollution are also
spread awareness among the people thus motivating them to use
the biodegradable variety.

Weaknesses : Despite several environmental advantages, the

Biodegradable have a range of shortcomings too. Segregation of the
plastics and the Biodegradable plastics is a major drawback as they
looks very similar. Moreover they take a long amount of time to get
decomposed and some of them even do not degrade under normal
condition and specified conditions are required for their degradation,
some of the biodegradable plastics releases greenhouses gases
during decomposition .

Opportunities : With the rising awareness among the people

regarding the environmental concerns, the biodegradable plastics
are to find a huge market and hence market in the near future.

Threats : The major threat to the market is the fact that the PLA
bags take a lots of time to decompose which might leads way to
other faster degrading materials.

Reference
1. "Biodegradable - Define Biodegradable at [Link]". [Link].
2. ^ Jump up to:a b "Store offers biodegradable bags." Aiken Standard (Aiken, SC) (Feb 17,
2009)
3. ^ Wilder, Sam. "Festival food recycling: Sun, fun and diversion." BioCycle 47.6 (June
2006): 30(3).
4. ^ Opposing Viewpoints: Pollution. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press,
2000. Opposing Viewpoints Resource
5. ^ Sohn, Emily (2 April 2010). "'Biodegradable' Doesn't Always Mean Earth-
Friendly". DiscoveryNews. Archived from the original on 2012-07-20.
6. ^ "BPI Assessment of oxo-degradable films" (PDF). Biodegradable Plastics Institute.
7. ^ "eCFR — Code of Federal Regulations". [Link]. Archived from the original on
2009-10-30.
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Chemosphere
(2018)
9. S. Yang e
J. Appl. Polym. Sci.
(2015)

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 10. C.K. Willi
Polym. Rev.
(2008)
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Ind. Crop. Prod.
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Food Packag Shelf Life
(2016)
13. S. Theria
Polym. Degrad. Stabil.
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Trends Food Sci. Technol.
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Polymer nanocomposites for drink bottles

16. M. Stoica
Biodegradable nanomaterials for drink packaging

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