A ban on the use of single-use plastics was notified by the Union Environment Ministry of India in August 2021 and came into effect on July 1, 2022. In less than a week, the ban has done away with disposable plastics like straws, cutlery, earbuds, cigarette packs, and plastic sticks for balloons among many others.
But much before this, many eco conscious companies had already prepared for this day. Dr. Premnath Basa and Dr. Usha Kiran Tottempudi started out research in 2019 to come up with a solution of novel ecofriendly, biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) for remediation of water-stressed crops/soils and gardens as this was a threat to a large number of people and other beings. Both the founders hoped to use their knowledge in their respective fields of education in the best way possible. They were motivated by the wish to do something for making the soil better, as lack of water, fast desertification, and droughts have worsened soil condition. Their research and development laboratory started out two years ago and grew into what Sprucegel is now.
The sustainable way inside out
This is the story of environmentalists for whom sustainability is at the core. The research and development on SAPs were evolved into a new resolution to tackle one of the humanity’s most pressing problems, plastic pollution.
“As we were starting out, there was an ongoing major public outcry throughout the world regarding environmental pollution, ecological changes, and climate distress caused due to enhanced human related activities. Among many, single-use plastics (SUPs) were particularly seen to cause major damage to society, health and environment by blocking municipal sewerage systems, piling up landfills, polluting pristine water bodies such as lakes, rivers and oceans etc,” Dr. Basa recalls the time he made the decision.
After thorough research and preliminary groundwork, Sprucegel switched its gears from R&D laboratory to a manufacturing unit. Therefore, the current vision of Sprucegel is to manufacture, supply and promote “green, eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics (SUPs) in packaging applications that are sourced from renewable plant-based resources.”
For the whole house and beyond
Sprucegel specialises in a range of compostable packaging products. From grocery bags to bin liners, everything can be found in their eco-friendly portfolio. The products, including carry bags, pouches, veggie bags, shopping bags, and garbage bags are derived from food-grade raw materials made of corn-starch bioplastics. The brand also offers compostable packaging services to residential complexes, the medical, hospitality, agriculture industries and more.
“Our film samples were tested for biodegradation and compostability by CIPET following an IS/ISO 17088 standard protocol. These were found to be compostable within 180 days upon testing under controlled composting conditions. We have received one time certificate (final) from central pollution control board (CPCB) to manufacture and supply our biodegradable and compostable packaging products to clients in Indian market. Sprucegel also holds CFE and CFO and is in compliance with TS-PCB (Telangana state consents) to setup compostable product manufacturing unit,” shares proud co-founder Dr. Tottempudi. The products can be found in varying sizes, thickness, and colours.
The duo still has long way to go and have made a roadmap for themselves. “We would continue exploring new market potential for our biodegradable and compostable packaging products and find newer clients and stakeholders in the packaging industry,” says Dr Tottempudi.
The founders of Sprucegel are ecstatic about the national level plastic ban. Dr. Tottempudi continues, “This has opened up new market opportunities to introduce our sustainable SUP alternatives to consumer market and allied industries. In the coming years, we plan to expand our product offerings and provide service in custom packaging.”
“The importance and the requirement of sustainable packaging is seen widely in FMCG, fashion and ecommerce etc. Apart from being a manufacturing unit, our R&D efforts are also underway to upcycle and develop natural fiber-based packaging products from jute, hemp, bagasse and other agrowaste raw materials,” concludes Dr. Basa, who is also making efforts to raise awareness about SAPs.
