West Bengal ecovio® Plus Project

Initiated by BASF and supported by stakeholders such as the Stump Jump Foundation (Australia), STEP Private Ltd (Mumbai), and the BCKV University (West Bengal), the West Bengal ecovio® Plus Project aimed to showcase the advantages of combining high-quality composts made from source-separated food waste and certified soil biodegradable mulch films. With the help of bags made of ecovio® from BASF, the project demonstrated that combining compost and soil biodegradable mulch film delivers greater synergistic benefits to the agricultural sector than using them individually. 

Under the management of STEP, the people from the Kalyani collected food waste separately using ecovio® bags. This food waste was then transported to a specially constructed composting plant. There, the food waste and bags made of ecovio® were processed into high-quality compost that meets global best practices and standards. Together with the certified soil-biodegradable mulch film made of ecovio®, the resulting compost was then applied to the local fields, which are jointly managed by Stump Jump and BASF. The effect of the combination of compost and soil mulch film made of ecovio®on soil health and crop yield was then measured over time. The mulch film made of ecovio® biodegraded without leaving any persistent microplastics, which is in line with international standards for soil-biodegradable mulch films. The project and its results were supervised by the renowned Indian agricultural research university BCKV.

The project achieved remarkable outcomes for the local Kalyani municipality and served as a model for effective Circular Economy best practices and sustainable agriculture, improving both economic and environmental outcomes for the community. It showcased that source separation of food waste diverts it from dumpsites and therefore, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves urban amenities. In addition, the application of compost and soil biodegradable mulch film improved soils, increased yields, reduced both water and fertilizer consumption, saving scarce resources for the local farmers. Environmentally, the certified soil-biodegradable mulch film ensures no persistent microplastics are left in the soil.

The project provided improved economic opportunities for females through the Self-Help Groups working in community engagement, educating on the source separation of food waste. 

Building on the knowledge and insights gained from the project, the future focus will be on introducing source segregated food waste collection, developing the organics recycling industry to produce nutrient-rich compost and synergistically combining certified soil-biodegradable mulch films and the application of compost to promote more sustainable agricultural practices across India. Increased segregation of food waste at source and the use of certified soil-biodegradable mulch films will lead to economic and environmental improvements. By replicating these best practices and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, the project will serve as a guide for the development of similar sustainable waste management programs in smart cities and communities across India.