Eco-friendly corn and tapioca carry bags: A promising alternative to plastic

Mangaluru: Efforts to reduce plastic usage have seen limited success, with cloth bags failing to attract widespread use. However, a new development in eco-friendly products is raising hopes. Corn and tapioca starch-based carry bags, which resemble plastic, are emerging as a promising alternative.

These innovative bags, completely environmentally friendly and comparable to plastic carry bags in functionality, have been developed by Rohit Vinay and Prakash from Bidar. This initiative is the first of its kind in the state and has received certification from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Pollution Control Board.

Biodegradable in 120 Days

The primary issue with plastic is its non-biodegradable nature, posing a long-term threat to the environment. In contrast, Prakash explains that the corn and tapioca starch bags decompose fully within 120 days, turning into compost. To encourage the use of such products, the central government is offering a 25% subsidy, he adds.

Diverse Product Range

The range of products made from corn and tapioca starch includes not only carry bags but also table sheets, rolls, and hospital accessories.  These carry bags can hold items weighing from half a kilogram to 10 kilograms.

While there is demand for these products, greater awareness is necessary. To promote these eco-friendly alternatives, the products were showcased at the jackfruit fair organized by the organic farmers’ association in Mangalore, says Rohit Vinay.

Heat and Cold Resistant

“These carry bags can hold items as hot as 180 degrees Celsius and as cold as -18 degrees Celsius. Packing hot items in plastic bags can lead to harmful chemicals leaching into the contents. However, bags made from corn and tapioca starch are free from chemicals and safe for health,” explains Prakash, the manufacturer of the eco-friendly carry bags.

Translated from Kannada article by Santhosh Bollettu