Biodegradable bags now in Hyderabad city

Hyderabad: The partial or total ban on plastic bags in India is often lauded as a welcome move by most people, but alternatives have been a cause for concern.

Keeping this in mind, the Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Andhra Pradesh (ALEAP) has started manufacturing 100% organic, biodegradable and eco-friendly bags at ATAL incubation centre in We Hub. The machines were inaugurated on October 8.

The bags look like plastic, but they are made of material like food starch. When placed in a glass of boiling water, the bags dissolve within 15 to 180 seconds, depending on its thickness and temperature of the boiling water.

The bags melt only in boiling water. The bags take less than 180 days to biodegrade naturally, once discarded. So, users can throw them away without worrying about harming the environment. The bags are even edible and will cause no harm to animals. Interestingly, these bags are rain proof, though it gets dissolved in hot water. These bags offer a great flexibility, convenience and ensure a high degree of hygiene even in rainy days.

"The zest for work in the right direction has made it possible. The test to produce bio-degradable bags has been made successful by members of the ALEAP, and we expect the substitute bags will help people in many ways. I hope India turns plastic-free," said Rama Devi, president at ALEAP.

Also, the bags are printable, and the printed matter can be easily erased. This thick dissolving bag vanishes without harming environment and melts away without leaving any trace," said Dr Zahoorullah, incubation manager at ALEAP.

"These bags will also ease the task of garbage disposal as they are made of bio-degradable material and help in spreading hygiene and cleanliness. They are strong enough to carry waste without causing a mess, and large enough to carry many items at once. Moreover, the bio-degradable quality and the affordable price of it shall ease people to switch to plastic-free bags," said Kamala, COO, ALEAP.

Eco-friendly, plastic-free bags

1. 100% biodegradable; Bags take less than 180 days to biodegrade naturally once discarded
2. Cost of each bag is Rs 2, can replace plastic bags
3. Available in all texture and sizes
4. Garbage bags with bottom sealing to prevent leakage
5. Most convenient and environment friendly
6. Good quality bags for all types of businesses
7. Printable, made of material like food starch
8. Dissolve in boiling water between 15 and 180 seconds
9. Bags are even edible and will cause no harm to animals if ingested

The zest for work in the right direction has made it possible. The test to produce plastic-free bags is made successful by members of ALEAP, and we expect the alternative bags will help people in many ways. I hope India turns plastic-free

–Rama Devi, President, ALEAP