Cellulose Reinforced Bio-composite using Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), and Thermoplastic Starch (TPS)’ simply referred to as “Bioplastic” has been developed at the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture and Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Jaffna. The invention of this pending national patent invention was led by Mrs. Subajiny Sivakanthan (Senior Lecturer / Department of Agricultural Chemistry), with three co-inventors; Ms. Podduwala Hewage Sathiska Kaumadi (Research Student and Demonstrator /Department of Biosystems Technology), Ms. K. Kemashalini (Lecturer (Probationary) / Department of Biosystems Technology), and Prof. S.Vasantharuba (Professor, Department of Agricultural Chemistry). The product has been developed using natural polymers from raw materials available in Sri Lanka and the invention was financially supported by the University Business Linkage (UBL, Jaffna). The research was carried out using the facilities available at the Research and Training Complex (established under the JICA grant) of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna. This bioplastic has the potential to be used as a replacement for fossil-based plastics in some applications.
A license agreement for the commercialization of the bioplastic has been signed between the University of Jaffna and MRK Associates (Licensee) on 25th November 2022 at the Board Room of the University of Jaffna. The MRK Associates (No. 95, Minuwangoda Road, Ekala, Ja-Ela, Sri Lanka) is a pioneer polymer industry in Sri Lanka, who manufacture, sell, and export natural polymer products. The milestone event started with the welcome address by Prof. T. Eswaramohan (Director/UBL Jaffna) followed by an address by Prof. (Mrs.) S.Sivachandiran (Dean/ Faculty of Technology) on the background of the research and development. Then Mr.C.R.Manuel (Director, MRK Associates) delivered an address on their business and vision. The introduction of the product was done by Ms. Podduwala Hewage Sathiska Kaumadi (Co-Inventor /Department of Biosystems Technology). A brief address was delivered by Prof. Kanesh Rajah (Advisory Board member of UBL Jaffna, Dean and Professor of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Innovation at The Royal Agricultural College, United Kingdom). Prof. S. Srisatkunarajah (Vice Chancellor, University of Jaffna) addressed the significance of this milestone event. Following the addresses, the signing of Licensing Agreement was facilitated by Mrs. Thushani Shayanthan (Head of the Department /Department of Law). An official photograph was taken followed by acknowledgment by Prof. S. Vasantharuba (Co-inventor, Dean/ Faculty of Agriculture) as the final event.
In addition to the Licensing agreement, a sponsored research agreement was signed with the same licensee agreeing to invest in the further development of the research. This is the first occasion a licensee is sponsoring for further research. This model is recommended to successfully commercialize research activities of University of Jaffna.
