Plastic waste building up in the environment remains a major challenge. Conventional petroleum based plastics do not fully break down and gradually fragment into microplastics that persist in soil and affect ecosystems.
A scientific study conducted by a premier academic institution under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, focused on higher and technical education across the plastics value chain, has found that Polylactic Acid (PLA), a compostable polymer, can degrade into natural substances in Indian soil conditions without leaving harmful microplastics.
The study evaluated PLA microplastics in Indian soil over periods of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 days. Researchers observed substantial degradation, with particle counts reducing to 18 particles per kilogram by day 180, indicating near complete degradation under soil conditions. The study stated that PLA breaks down over time and integrates into the soil ecosystem, unlike conventional fossil based plastics that remain in the environment for long periods.
S K Nayak, Former Director General of CIPET, said, “ Conventional plastics resist degradation and persist as microplastics in soil. In contrast, PLA undergoes rapid breakdown under sunlight and soil conditions, followed by true biodegradation. Within 180 days, it is largely converted into simple, bio assimilable compounds, as confirmed by scientific analysis and biological testing. This establishes that PLA does not contribute to long term microplastic pollution and offers a scientifically validated sustainable alternative.”
Vikram Bhanushali, President of the Indian Compostable Polymer Association (ICPA), said, “This study marks an important milestone in demonstrating that PLA and PLA based materials can effectively biodegrade under Indian environmental conditions without leaving harmful residues. PLA and PLA based materials offer a credible pathway to complement existing waste management systems by enabling safe return to nature outcomes in appropriate use cases.”
The report examined how PLA degrades under sunlight exposure and in soil conditions. Tests on soil organisms indicated biodegradation, while conventional plastics continued to persist in soil. The findings stated that PLA can return to nature without leaving long term microplastic residues.
Avantika Saraogi, Executive Director, Balrampur Chini Mills, said, “The future of plastics should focus not only on minimising plastic waste but also on developing materials that help in the recycling process within nature.”
