Biodegradable Plastic Usage: Critical Analysis from Users Point of View

Use of non-degradable plastic materials has become a cause of worry for nature. The objective of this study was to study the awareness levels about bio-degradable plastic packaging materials used by retail chains. A structure questionnaire has been prepared and feedback was taken from users. Most of people are well aware of the harmful effects of on use of non-degradable plastic materials for daily use. The initiation taken by D-mart, Appolo pharmacy and Medplus are well appreciated by the consumers. There is a big scope of mass production of these bio-degradable packing materials and the consumers even are ready to bear the part of expenses of packaging materials used especially for carry bags. Interesting feedback from users observed with 52 percent respondents opined to use the bio-degradable carry bags to be used for multiple times. There is still some lack of awareness about type of materials used for bio-degradable carry bags, which can be noticed from the feedback of 12 percent respondents felt about non-awareness of bio-degradable plastic materials used by D-mart/Appolo pharmacy/Medplus. About 21 percent users felt the bio-degradable bags are not strong enough to take the load of materials. Recommendations are given for creating more awareness about advantages of using and encouraging retail chains to go for bio-degradable materials for carry bags. Overall feedback observed to be very positive on future trend of avoiding non-degradable materials. Except 21 percent users, all others are even ready to bear the cost of eco-friendly carry bags /poly-bags, which is a good sign for environmentally friendly packing materials.