The New Delhi-based Vikas Ecotech Ltd (formerly Vikas Global One Ltd), manufacturer of specialty polymers, compounds and additives, has signed an MoU with Czech Republic based Nafigate Corporation for technology to convert waste cooking oil in to biopolymer PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate). As per the agreement, Nafigate will transfer Hydal technology, which is a process to convert waste cooking oil into PHA biopolymer by means of fermentation and subsequent PHA polymer isolation, to Vikas Ecotech.

PHAs, which are linear polyesters produced in nature by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids, are formed at higher temperature like most of the other synthetic plastics (thermoplastics). PHAs are used to make different types of monomers, which are biodegradable and are used in the production of bio-plastics.

Main production process of Hydal is fermentation, where bacteria produce PHA as an energy source which is also stored inside the microbes in the form of grains. The microorganisms are fed by waste food grade cooking oil to grow. When the limiting level of growth is reach, PHA is extracted, consequently isolated and purified by environment friendly method. PHA is non-toxic and nature compatible that is approved for use in contact with food and also for medicinal use.

Vikas Ecotech already has a technology named as a Wastol-P, converts waste cooking oil into plasticisers for plastics and rubbers, and the addition of Hydal technology is expected to help the company to further consolidate its position in biodegradable plastics space.

“This association was conceived looking at huge surplus availability of waste cooking oil in India and abroad. This venture will be well positioned to leverage on Vikas Ecotech’s strong presence and reach in bio-plasticisers market and use of Hydal technology to capture a good share of this demand to make Vikas one of India's leading eco-friendly company. This safe and innovative utilisation of waste cooking oil, to manufacture eco-friendly PHAs and plasticisers for plastics and rubber industries, is expected to generate huge returns,” said Vikas Ecotech in a press release.

Vikas Ecotech manufactures high end polymer products used in industries such as agriculture components, wires & cables, auto parts, textiles, electrical goods, medical, footweare, packaging, etc. The company, which has manufacturing plants at Samba (J&K) and Shahjahanpur (Rajasthan), is planning to set up a production facility in Dahej (Gujarat) to focus on exports.

 

Source : business-standard.com

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