Barc innovation to help biodegradation of perishable cargo

A solution developed by premier research establishment Barc is all set to help the logistics sector tackle the problem of dealing with abandoned containers having perishable cargo.
Barc has tied up with APM Terminals Inland Services South Asia for implementing the solution, a statement said today.
"Container freight stations and inland container depots witness frequent cases of abandonment of containers carrying perishable cargo like chocolates, fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, meat and beverages," it said.
The "in-situ biodegradation" developed by Barc scientists enables natural decomposition of stale perishable cargo within the container right inside the container freight station, as against the requirement of transporting the cargo to a specially approved facility, it said.

The solution also restricts the carbon dioxide emissions, it added.
Sharad Kale, the head of nuclear, agriculture and biotechnology division at the city-based Barc has developed an 'inoculum', which is a culture composed of multiple kinds of bacteria.

When introduced in existing biodegradable material, the inoculum enables natural decomposition of the cargo with organic manure as the end product, making the process faster, efficient and cheap, the statement explained.
Kale said there is a need for the entire industry to adopt this practice, especially given that the focus on cold-chains is bound to increase cases of cargo dumping.
"This initiative has the potential to make a remarkable difference to the environment and we are glad to be able to make a positive difference," company managing director Ajit Venkataraman said.