Biodegradable Shopping Bags on the Way

Swedish Television News reports that researchers here are developing environmentally friendly alternatives to current plastic shopping bags.

For several years Swedish shops have discouraged the use of plastic bags by charging a small fee for every bag. But there is still concern about the environmental effects.

Now scientists at the Chalmers Institute of Technology in Gothenburg are researching forms of plastic made from renewable resources and which break down quickly when disposed of.

Swedish Television News says there are three kinds of biodegradable plastic that are more environmentally friendly than paper bags, which are recyclable, but require large amounts of energy to manufacture. - By © Copyright Sveriges Radio 2007