In India to popularise this `revolutionary' concept is Nirj Deva, the company's non-executive director, who hopes to get Indian politicians and plastic manufacturers interested in the new technology. The shelf-life of plastic can be manipulated by introducing an additive during the manufacturing process, says Deva, who was also a Conservative MP in the John Major government in Great Britain.

Symphony's additive breaks down the carbon bonds in plastic molecules, making it small enough to be acted upon by micro-organisms. Degradation starts as soon as the manufacturing work is finished, says Deva, adding that heat, light and stress accelerate the process. And by varying the quantity of the additive, the life of the plastic can be changed from six months to twoyears, he claims. After degradation, the plastic leaves behind only water and carbon dioxide, according to Deva.

SPI-TEK, as the additive is known, also has its approval from Pira International at Surrey, an institution that conducts efficacy tests, says Deva. The tests proved that no harmful substances are left in the environment, he says, adding ``If anyone wants to conduct anymore tests, they are welcome to.''

The additive, launched worldwide last December, will add 15 to 18 per cent to the normal manufacturing costs, according to Deva. But to prompt manufacturers to use the technology, the government should provide incentives -- like tax and duty concessions -- for those who adopt the method, he says. ``In Britain, we are pushing for a legislation that will make use of such additives compulsory,'' he adds.