A Bangladeshi scientist who invented a low-cost biodegradable tote bag has sought investment to manufacture and promote the bag to replace polyethylene in everyday use and the packaging industry.
Speaking at the Anadolu Agency marking World Paper Bag Day, Mubarak Ahmed Khan, chief scientific adviser to Bangladesh Jute Mills, claimed that his biodegradable tote bag (commonly known as cellulose sheet Sonali bag) has the potential to change the world.
Khan, who officially works with the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, said he invented the biodegradable eco-bag made of jute cellulose and polymer in 2017. It can be used in clothing packaging and food packaging for commodities such as rice and sugar.
"We have developed a machine that can produce 60 jute plastic bags in one minute. However, we need more advanced machines for commercial production and local demand to replace polyethylene bags for the local market," he said.
The scientist said that further research and commercial production would require 5 billion taka ($53.1 million). While the government has agreed in principle, it has not yet been confirmed.
He added: “So far, I have received Tk 200 million ($2.1 million) as grants from two separate government grants since the project started. draw one out of the appropriation".
Bangladesh, like many other countries, bans the use of polyethylene. But the country produces a huge amount of polyethylene bags and plastic waste every year.
According to experts, jute polymers are made from cellulose extracted from jute fibers and are fully biodegradable and recyclable. The eco-friendly material decomposes within three to four months of being buried in the soil. Jute is the main fiber crop grown around the world and is considered the second most important vegetable fiber after cotton in terms of global consumption and production.
