Why not plastics?

In response to concerns about India's rising litter, the National Green Tribunal in Delhi NCR enacted a ban on throw-away plastic such as cutlery, bags, and other plastic products.
Among various litter that take too long to break down are plastic wastes. In landfills, plastic products often take up to 1,000 years to disintegrate. However, while the plastic bottles we use every day take 450 years to break down, the plastic bags we use every day take 10 to 20 years.

Advantages of using pulp moulded container

Using pulp-molded containers instead of plastic containers offers several advantages, primarily related to environmental sustainability and product functionality. These include; eco friendly and sustainable, biodegradability, reduced plastic pollution, energy efficient, design flexibility and customisation, potential for circular economy, and R&D opportunities.

Methodology

I attempt to create a waste paper pulp moulded tray for dahi cups out of recycled paper while considering the mentioned problems brought on by the usage of plastic. For this purpose, I use recycled and waste paper. By using recycled and waste paper it makes the pulp moulded tray 100% eco friendly and recyclable. For its testing I have dipped it in water to check its strength. Further it is covered with LDPE as a protective layer from the effect of moisture. 

Use your hands or a kitchen whisk to break up the bits. Mix the pieces in the bowl with your hands or a whisk until they are reduced to a pulp. Pound the paper until it approaches the consistency of a thick soup. When there are no visible paper fragments in the pulp, you may either dry it or mix it for a smoother consistency.

If you do not mix the paper after breaking it down with your hands, it will have a coarser texture and will be more difficult to write on.

To get the smoothest consistency, blend the paper pulp. Pour the contents of the bowl into a blender and puree for 15-30 seconds. If you are using thicker paper, such as cardstock or cardboard, you may need to mix it for a longer period. Stop the blender after 15 seconds and see how thoroughly the pulp is pureed. Continue until the pulp has been crushed into a smooth, fluid consistency in your blender.

Depending on the size of the pulp, you may wish to combine it in batches. If you pick this option, when you are through blending, combine all the batches in a bowl to ensure a uniform consistency.

If the pulp is too thick, add more water. Smooth paper cannot be made from thick, dry pulp. Add a few teaspoons of water if the pulp appears dry after mixing. Pour in little quantities of water and mix for 10 seconds before adding more. Too much water might cause the paste to become too brittle.

After getting the required consistency of the pulp now give it a shape like the plastic tray used for dahi cups.

HIPS against pulp-moulded

Material composition
HIPS is a thermoplastic polymer made from styrene monomers. It is a type of plastic known for its rigidity, strength, and impact resistance. HIPS trays are typically rigid and have a smooth surface. Pulp-moulded trays are made from fibrous materials, such as recycled paper, cardboard, or agricultural waste. They are typically formed by molding a mixture of pulp and water into the desired shape and then drying it.

Environmental impact
HIPS trays contribute to plastic waste and may have a higher carbon footprint due to their production process. Pulp-moulded trays are more environmentally friendly, as they are made from renewable and recycled materials and can be composted or recycled after use.

Sustainability
HIPS is a plastic material, and its production typically involves the use of petrochemicals. It is not biodegradable and can contribute to plastic waste if not properly recycled. Pulp-moulded trays are considered a more sustainable option. They are often made from recycled materials and are biodegradable and compostable. They have a lower environmental impact compared to plastic trays.