I&E Group Assn

Sustainable packaging for Supplier Bambrew

Table of contents
1. About the company
2. Problem to be solved
3. Social innovation provided
4. How we can contribute
5. Conclusion

About the company

Based in Bangalore. We are a team of dedicated professionals committed to reducing the
environmental impact of packaging while delivering high-quality products to our customers.

Our mission is to provide sustainable packaging solutions that help protect the planet and
improve the lives of people around the world. We believe sustainable packaging is the future,
and we are committed to leading the way in innovation and responsible manufacturing
practices.

Our company was founded on the principle that business can be a force for good in the world.
We believe that sustainable packaging is not only good for the environment but also good for
business. Our products are designed to meet our customers' needs while being kind to the
planet

We are proud to say that all our products are made using sustainable materials and
manufacturing processes. We use recycled and renewable materials which are 100% plastic-
free and are naturally compostable including but not limited to Bioplastics which are home
compostable, Paper made from Bamboo and other Agro waste-based materials. We constantly
look for ways to reduce our environmental footprint along with saving carbon emissions for our
customers as well.

Problem to be solved
Plastic water bottles are convenient, easy to find, and inexpensive, making them a popular
choice for consumers. However, they contribute significantly to environmental waste and carbon
emissions. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is the most common type of plastic used to
manufacture these bottles, and its production relies heavily on petroleum, a non-renewable
resource. In fact, producing one billion plastic bottles requires around 24 million gallons of oil.
These bottles take approximately 700 years to fully decompose, and about 80% of them are not
recycled. As a result, a large volume of plastic waste ends up in landfills, where it decomposes
slowly over hundreds of years, contributing to the growing global waste problem.

Plastic water bottles can contaminate the environment in numerous ways if they are not properly
discarded. They contribute to the destruction of ecosystems and disrupt ecological processes,
especially in aquatic environments. Plastic bottles clog sewage systems, particularly in
developing nations, which can lead to the spread of diseases such as malaria and other
illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes.

A major concern associated with plastic water bottles is the presence of microplastics—tiny
plastic particles that are released as the bottles break down. These microplastics can be
ingested by marine life and eventually enter the human food chain. Ingesting microplastics is
thought to contribute to various health issues, as plastic polymers contain chemicals with
potentially harmful effects. For example, Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are commonly used
in the production of plastics. BPA, found in the linings of many water bottles, has been linked to
negative health effects on the brain and prostate glands of fetuses, infants, and children, and
may also impact children's behavior. Phthalates, which are classified as hormone disruptors,
can inhibit the production of androgenic hormones, leading to potential damage to ecosystems if
they leak into the environment.

While recycling is vital, replacing traditional plastics with biodegradable alternatives may offer a
more effective solution. Biopolymers, such as PLA (polylactic acid) or PHA
(polyhydroxyalkanoates), are emerging as viable alternatives to PET. These biopolymers can
withstand exposure to liquids like soft drinks and can degrade over time in natural environments
or industrial composting conditions, potentially eliminating the need for energy-intensive
recycling processes.

References

Ajaj, R.; Abu Jadayil, W.; Anver, H.; and Aqil, E. (2022). A Revision for the Different Reuses of Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET) Water Bottles. Sustainability, 14(8), 4583.

Alabi, O. A., Ologbonjaye, K. I., Awosolu, O., & Alalade, O. E. (2019). Public and Environmental Health Effects of
Plastic Wastes Disposal: A Review. Journal of Toxicology and Risk Assessment, 1-13.

Gibovic, D., & Bikfalvi, A. (2021). Incentives for Plastic Recycling: How to Engage Citizens in Active Collection.
Empirical Evidence from Spain. Recycling, 29.

Social Innovation provided

there are several biopolymers that can withstand exposure to soft drinks and still degrade over
time. These biopolymers are designed to be resistant to moisture, acids, and other components
found in soft drinks, while also being biodegradable under appropriate conditions. Here are a
few examples:

1. Polylactic Acid (PLA)

 ● Properties: PLA is a biodegradable polyester derived from renewable resources like corn
starch or sugarcane. It has good resistance to acidic and neutral pH environments, such
as those found in most soft drinks.
● Suitability for Soft Drinks: PLA is often used in food packaging, including cups and
bottles, due to its good barrier properties against moisture and moderate resistance to
acids.
● Degradation: PLA is compostable and will degrade under industrial composting
conditions (elevated temperatures, humidity, and microbial activity). It can take a few
months to a few years to degrade in natural environments, depending on conditions.

2. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

● Properties: PHAs are a family of biodegradable polyesters produced by microbial

fermentation of sugars or lipids. They offer good resistance to a range of chemicals,
including acids found in soft drinks.
● Suitability for Soft Drinks: PHAs have excellent moisture resistance and can be tailored
to provide different levels of durability, making them suitable for packaging materials that
come into contact with beverages.
● Degradation: PHAs are fully biodegradable in various environments, including soil,
freshwater, and marine conditions. They degrade relatively quickly in composting
environments and leave no toxic residues.

3. Chitosan-Based Biopolymers

● Properties: Chitosan is derived from chitin, a natural polymer found in the exoskeletons
of crustaceans (such as shrimp and crabs). It is biodegradable, biocompatible, and has
antimicrobial properties.
● Suitability for Soft Drinks: Chitosan-based films can be combined with other materials to
create coatings or packaging that are resistant to acidic environments like soft drinks.
However, chitosan on its own is more suited to dry or low-moisture applications unless
specially treated.
● Degradation: Chitosan is biodegradable and breaks down in natural environments
through the action of enzymes and microorganisms. It is particularly suited for
environments like soil or freshwater.

4. Starch-Based Bioplastics

● Properties: Starch-based bioplastics are created from natural starches (e.g., from
potatoes, corn, or tapioca) and are often blended with other materials to enhance their
mechanical and barrier properties.
● Suitability for Soft Drinks: While pure starch-based bioplastics are not very resistant to
moisture, they can be modified or blended with other materials (like PLA or PHA) to
improve their durability and make them suitable for soft drink packaging.
● Degradation: Starch-based plastics are fully biodegradable, breaking down into water,
carbon dioxide, and biomass in composting conditions.

5. Cellulose-Based Polymers

● Properties: Cellulose, derived from plant fibers, is biodegradable and can be processed
into various forms, such as cellulose acetate. It has good barrier properties against
oxygen and grease but may require coatings to be more water- and acid-resistant.
 ● Suitability for Soft Drinks: Cellulose acetate or other modified cellulose polymers can be
used for soft drink packaging when combined with other materials to enhance moisture
resistance.
● Degradation: Cellulose-based materials degrade relatively quickly in soil or composting
environments, depending on the degree of modification and environmental conditions.

How we can Help

Bambrew has already made a name for itself as a pioneer in providing sustainable alternatives
to single-use plastics, replacing everyday items with innovative, eco-friendly materials like
bamboo and paper. However, one of the most significant environmental challenges remains
unaddressed: the problem of plastic water bottles. Each year, millions of plastic bottles are
discarded, taking hundreds of years to decompose, causing devastating effects on our
ecosystems, and contributing to the growing crisis of plastic pollution. This presents a unique
opportunity for Bambrew to expand its portfolio and make a substantial impact by tackling this
critical issue.

We propose a strategic partnership to develop a new line of biodegradable water bottles using
advanced biopolymers, such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates). These
materials are derived from renewable sources and are designed to withstand the rigors of
everyday use, including holding beverages like water and soft drinks, while being fully
compostable. Unlike traditional PET bottles, which can take up to 700 years to decompose, our
biopolymer bottles can break down within months under the right composting conditions, leaving
no toxic residue or microplastics in the environment.

By leveraging Bambrew's existing brand credibility and commitment to sustainability, we can

create a product that meets the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible
options. This innovative product line would not only align perfectly with Bambrew's mission but
would also position the company at the forefront of a new wave of sustainable packaging
solutions, setting it apart in an increasingly eco-conscious market. Consumers are seeking
brands that demonstrate genuine leadership in environmental stewardship, and offering a
biodegradable alternative to plastic water bottles is a natural next step for Bambrew.

Moreover, this initiative would provide a compelling narrative for marketing and consumer
engagement, highlighting Bambrew’s proactive role in solving one of the world's most pressing
environmental issues. The introduction of biopolymer bottles could be supported by educational
campaigns, emphasizing the benefits of choosing biodegradable materials over traditional
plastics and inspiring customers to make more sustainable choices.

Together, we can develop, market, and distribute a line of biodegradable water bottles that
reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and provide a viable alternative to single-use plastics.
This collaboration represents an opportunity for Bambrew to enhance its product range, amplify
its impact on sustainability, and strengthen its position as a leader in eco-friendly innovation.
Conclusion

By taking on the challenge of replacing plastic water bottles with biodegradable alternatives,
Bambrew has the chance to not only expand its product line but also to solidify its position as a
leader in the sustainability space. This strategic partnership will allow Bambrew to offer
innovative, eco-friendly solutions that align with the company's mission and respond to growing
consumer demand for sustainable products. With our combined expertise and commitment to
environmental stewardship, we can create a powerful impact—reducing waste, minimizing
carbon emissions, and inspiring a global movement toward responsible consumption.

Let us work together to revolutionize the packaging industry by replacing harmful plastic with
sustainable biopolymers. This collaboration is more than a business opportunity; it is a shared
commitment to a cleaner, healthier planet. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution
and prove that sustainable solutions are not just a necessity but also a smart, forward-thinking
business choice. Now is the time for Bambrew to take this critical step forward and lead the way
in transforming our world, one bottle at a time.