Will biodegradable carry bags replace traditional PE bags shortly?

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Will biodegradable carry bags replace traditional PE bags shortly

Across the globe, plastics carry bags are being very widely. Despite some good measures that have been implemented in collection and recycling, littering of these bags cause a menace. These carry bags tend to clog drains or choke sanitations as they clutter all around. Some countries have introduced the criteria of a minimum thickness of 20 microns to prevent clogging and choking, but with limited success. Many countries have adopted an introduction of tax or extra levy to prevent littering of these carry bags. All these measures have brought some success to combat the menance that has been created by the littering habit of consumers.

Recently efforts have been made to introduce biopolymers to prevent pollution. These efforts also help to some extent. However they are quite expensive and have met with limited success. Efforts have been made to develop biodegradable carry bags that disintegrate within a month. Starch based biodegradable carry bags are being increasingly used.

Infact, Biopac, a company involved in such developments, in colloboration with the UK based chain of stores Saintsbury, has developed "30% Tapioca based starch PE carry bags". These bags completely disintegrated within 28 days, when composted. Saintsbury plans to introduce this bags from April 2003. Will this new initiative help in prevention of pollution? Only time will tell its success.