One of the major contributors to urban waste is the ubiquitous single use plastics. A National Geographic article estimates that globally 40% of plastic is used only once! One large use of such plastic is in the making of disposable cups, bowls, plates and other food containers which eventually keep piling up in the landfills.
Specifically, to address this challenge, ITC's Paperboards & Specialty Papers Business has launched two new grades of paperboards - Omegabev and Omegabarr. These vanishing cups, bowls, plates and containers made with ITC boards are designed to reduce the pressure on our over flowing landfills!
The base board 'Omega' series is of virgin fibre and is made with pulp from sustainably managed plantations. The barrier layer (the layer required for applications like cups and cartons to prevent the water/moisture in the product from seeping through the board and also to aid in heat sealing during cup formation) is made from bio-based material. This material when disposed in a compost, biodegrades in just 30 to 40 days, leaving nothing behind. And that is why we have chosen the name to be 'Omega' - the last letter in the Greek Alphabet - beyond which there is 'nothing'!