From the Series
Plastic is durable, moisture resistant and inexpensive but it’s also a long-lasting pollutant. According to Greenpeace, around 100 million tonnes of plastic products are produced each year, of which about 10 million tonnes ends up in the sea. To mitigate the impact plastic waste has on land and marine life, an Indian company called EnviGreen designed a 100 per cent biodegradable carry-bag.
EG Bags are made from natural starch and vegetable oil derivatives which makes it organic and edible. Unlike plastic products that can harm the environment for hundreds of years, the EG bag softens in water and dissolves in hot water in under one day. Because it contains no conventional plastic, it’s non-toxic to the environment, animals and plants.
According to Springwise, production has started in Bangalore and the bags are currently being used by several large retail chains in India, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
We've featured more innovations looking to stem the tide of plastic waste.