Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (KIIDC), the largest producer of packaged water in the government sector, is set to replace plastic bottles with bioplastic bottles, the first initiative of sorts in the country.

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The plan is to use bioplastic bottles made from polylactic acid (PLA).

These bottles are produced from starch found in materials like corn and sugarcane. The bottles are transparent and resemble plastic bottles in appearance. The packaging, including the cap and label, will also be bio-degradable. Experiments for this are currently underway. These bottles will decompose in soil within six months, and even if incinerated, they will not cause environmental pollution. Initially, one-litre bottles will be produced.

KIIDC has signed an agreement with Kochi-based startup company '8 Specialists' to manufacture the bottles. The raw materials for production will be supplied by the startup company. The bottles will be manufactured at KIIDC's Thodupuzha and Aruvikkara plants using bio-foam provided by the startup.

The cost of bio-bottles is expected to be five times higher than plastic bottles. Currently, a plastic bottle costs about Rs 2.50. KIIDC sells packaged water for Rs 15 per bottle. The price of the eco-friendly water may double, but the final cost will be determined once the experimental production is completed.