International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 07 Issue: 11 | Nov 2020 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072 © 2020, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.529 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1680 Eco-Friendly Bioplastics from Natural Raw Materials Dr. Danie Kingsley J.*, Kamalika Ghosh 1 , Trisha Bhattacharya 2 , Ahana Biswas 3 , Rishu Mandal 4 1,2,3,4 Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India 632014 *Communicating author- Asst. Professor, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India -----------------------------------------------------------------------***------------------------------------------------------------------------ ABSTRACT - Plastics are widely used in the world being very aware at the same time that how rapidly it is destroying our environment. We at BioPlas+, have taken an initiative to develop an alternative for plastic which is non- polluting and affordable at the same time- Bioplastic. Our present work focuses on developing bioplastic from all- natural resources and daily products like mango, banana peels, avocado seeds, sugarcane fiber along with cornstarch, vinegar, agar etc. Our main aim is to reduce the effect of plastic on the environment thus reducing the carbon footprint of a country, at the same time recycling waste products. Bioplastic produced by our company can be used for any purpose that is usually served by traditional plastics minus the toxicity produced by plastics. Using Bioplastic is highly recommended in today’s world, it not only makes you a responsible citizen but gives you a better world to live in. Keywords: Bioplastic, Natural Resources, Environment, Plastics, Pollution 1. INTRODUCTION Plastics have vast usage across worldwide. It has uses in numerous packaging applications. It is also used widely for household purposes. With this increasing usage of plastic, pollution associated with plastic is also increasing. Plastic pollution is the accumulation of objects and particles made up of plastic in the Earth’s environment that constantly affects the wildlife. Burning of plastics result in release of poisonous chemicals and can cause respiratory problems. Plastic is a material made to last forever. It is a non-biodegradable substance which takes 1000 years to decompose. Yet 33% of all plastics are just used once and then thrown away. Chemicals which are present in plastics can be absorbed by human bodies. Some of these compounds can alter hormones present in human bodies or can cause harm in some other ways. Harmful chemicals present in plastic which are buried into landfills can spread into groundwater. Currently, it is estimated that there are 100 million tons of plastic in oceans around the world [1]. As plastic is such a long-lasting material, its effects are all long term. One should avoid using plastic because these are lightweight and can get easily picked up by wind and travel long distances by wind and water to create pollution. The present work focuses on reducing plastic pollution by suggesting an alternative of plastic that is bioplastic. Bioplastic is made up of plant starches and gelatins/agar. It doesn’t have the polluting potential as plastics have. Bioplastic is easily degradable and reduces greenhouse gas emission. It is eco-friendly, cost effective, recyclable. Bioplastic is an effective way of keeping the huge advantages and versatility of conventional plastics but mitigating their disadvantages. Hence, the present work focuses on developing Bioplastics- an alternative of conventional plastic. 2. MATERIALS REQUIRED TABLE-1: RAW NATURAL PRODUCTS S.NO MATERIAL NAME USE OF MATERIALS 1 Gelatin Used as a raw material in extruder for good film-forming, well gas and oil resistance, low price, non-toxicity and biodegradable properties. 2 Banana peels Used as a raw material in the extruder where it is melted down and forms a base for the bioplastic