Kolkata based scientist redefines eco-friendly bags – GetBengal story
A young researcher from Kolkata has created a completely biodegradable substance that can take the place of traditional plastic bags, which could greatly aid the battle against plastic pollution. Aviroop Mukherjee, a thirty-year-old inventor currently residing in Finland, has obtained a patent for the invention, which he calls "Ecomaterial Composite."
Aviroop Mukherjee spent nearly two years working in his laboratory and workshop to create the new material. His composite is made without any plastic-related polymers, unlike commercial bioplastics or so-called compostable plastics that often rely on petroleum derivatives. The material disintegrates completely within three months without any harmful residue.
What makes Ecomaterial Composite particularly promising is its strength. During the initial development phase, Mukherjee realized that although the material possessed excellent mechanical and chemical properties, surpassing even single-use plastics and commercial bioplastics, it lacked the tensile strength required for everyday use. That challenge led him back to experimentation, eventually resulting in the idea to fuse the composite with natural cotton fibres.
According to him, “The bags became stronger than common plastic bags, and they still retained their ability to biodegrade naturally. They turn brown within three months and disappear completely when buried in soil or even exposed to boiling water.”
Mukherjee’s journey toward innovation began in a very personal space. After returning to Kolkata in early 2023, he was struck by how pervasive plastic had become in daily life. Encouraged by his mother, psychologist Soumya Mukherjee, he began an intensive period of research involving laboratory tests, natural weathering studies, and real-world user trials.
A former student of Don Bosco, Park Circus, Mukherjee completed his biomedical engineering degree at SRM Institute of Science & Technology, before earning his master’s at Oulu University in Finland in 2022. His academic background, combined with hands-on experimentation, helped him arrive at a material derived from just two chemicals—yet robust enough to withstand extreme tropical conditions such as heat fluctuations, humidity, and rough handling.
Each bag made from the patented composite costs just 20 paise and it is both environmentally safe and economically viable. Mukherjee is now seeking funding to scale up production and bring the material to markets worldwide.
He highlights its safe disposability and added, “If needed, the material can also be discarded easily using running water or strong friction,”.
With the patent secured and user tests showcasing its durability, Ecomaterial Composite could soon emerge as a practical, affordable solution to the world’s mounting plastic waste crisis.
