A self-employment venture has been kick-started by a Sri Lankan inventor who believes that his product made of paper could replace the fruit mesh cover made of plastic. Udaya Gunaratna told the Business Times recently that his product is an environmentally-friendly mesh that absorbs any moisture but retains its size and shape and would not [...]

Business Times

Biodegradable cover holds fresh fruits, veggies

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A self-employment venture has been kick-started by a Sri Lankan inventor who believes that his product made of paper could replace the fruit mesh cover made of plastic.

Udaya Gunaratna told the Business Times recently that his product is an environmentally-friendly mesh that absorbs any moisture but retains its size and shape and would not allow the fruit to slip through either.

At present he has sent his product to obtain patent rights for the design of the paper which stretches and is considered to be biodegradable.

“This saves trees, water and electricity,” he said adding that his product is made of virgin paper and for which he has already received orders for about 7500 pieces to supply to a fruit exporter.

With most European markets moving out of the use of rigifoam products this paper mesh could be used for covering fruits and vegetables in transportation, Mr. Gunaratna explained.

He noted that this venture would provide increased jobs for a large number of people particularly those at home like women, retired persons and even the disabled.

For a person who had ventured into the business sector from a young age, Mr. Gunaratna wants to be able to ensure this product would gain recognition and hopes the government would be able to assist him in his venture.

State assistance is required, he said in spreading the message to export markets to ensure the country obtains widespread recognition for their product.

Reaching out to the export market would enable this biodegradable paper mesh cover to be used in transporting fresh fruits and vegetables but towards this end he also hopes to obtain public assistance in venturing into this unique project, Mr. Gunaratna said.

Fruits and Vegetables Association President Suresh Ellawala said that this venture is a “very good initiative as it is an environmentally friendly product”. “I see future potential for the product,” he said.

In addition he pointed out that if fumigation of the product is being carried out to ensure that no contamination of the products is impacted by the use of this mesh cover then it is possible to be used in the export and domestic markets.

Further he pointed out that the current use of the Styrofoam packaging is more pliable than paper and gives more cushioning but there has to be some compromises.

(SD)

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