How compostable Biobag  will contribute to packaging and Environment solutions

By Jean Claude Mutuyeyezu

Since 2004, Rwanda began a process of carrying out national bans to reduce the consumption and manufacturing of single-use plastic in the country. Rwanda was the first country in the African region to introduce a law banning plastic and is now recognized as one of the few countries in the world to progressively react to the issue of plastic pollution.  The capital city of Kigali in Rwanda is considered one of the tidiest urban areas in the African continent and has therefore fostered a sense of national pride in citizens who celebrate their clean and green country.

The government’s investment into alternatives saw boosted employment and support for local businesses that started the transition to producing environmentally friendly products, as well as the growing traction around reusable alternatives. National and international private sector actors came in the game: that why Arth biobag Ltd launched its activities in Rwanda  in 2020.

This Indian owned factory preferred to start its activities in Rwanda because of the national policy on environmental protection: Sidharth Bohra, the Founder and Managing Director emphasized that: “ we are making solution in eco friendly and packaging: Rwanda being a pioneer in burning plastic and aggressive in saving environment, we want to contribute to make this solution and start with this country. The home compostable polymers which is made by plant materials, it does not require   any condition, when they dampened in the ground, they cannot thrown in the land field.’’  The MD of Arth biobag said.

Production machines working…

At the beginning, managers and staff of this factory went to field and make prototype and worked with research institutions: they corroborate with Rwanda standard board, the international research centers in India to help them to find polymers and access the market.

The production capacity of the factory is 1200 metric ton per year when it is a single shift: for double shift, the factory can produce 2400 metric ton and when it is a triple shift they can make 3600 metric ton.

Who are the main customers of the Arth Biobag?

The management of the factory explains that anyone who is interested in packaging materials should benefit from these products because they are eco-friendly. Hotels, supermarkets, ordinary people are encouraged to use bio bag.

In contrast to polluting approaches like “waste-to-energy” incinerators and landfills, the approach to tackling plastic waste management entailed the enforcement of strong policies, which has reaped environmental, social and economic benefits.