Plastic-mixed Handmade Paper

• On 2nd August 2021, the Controller of Patent, Intellectual Property of India has issued a patent certificate to Khadi and Village Industries Commission's ‘Kumarappa National Handmade Paper Institute’ (KNHPI), Jaipur for its innovative Plastic-mixed Handmade Paper.

• The plastic-mixed handmade paper was developed under Project REPLAN (REducing PLAstic from Nature) to reduce plastic menace from nature. This is the first of its kind project in India, where plastic waste is de-structured, degraded, diluted and used with paper pulp while making handmade paper.

• The technology developed by KVIC uses both high & low density waste polythene that not only adds extra strength to the paper but also reduces the cost by up to 34%. The product is recyclable and eco-friendly. KVIC has developed products such as carry bags, envelopes, files/folders, etc. using plastic mixed handmade paper.

• The invention is aligned with the Prime Minister’s call for fighting the menace of single-use plastic. The production of waste-plastic mixed handmade paper is likely to serve the twin objectives of protecting the environment alongside creating sustainable employment.