Coimbatore, Nov 8: Enough of knocking! The door to viable alternative to plastic bags could finally have opened as the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC), has introduced “Bio Bags” that degrade in three months.
The launch of the Bio Bags that happened in the City on Wednesday, could be a landmark event as Coimbatore becomes the second City in the South next to Bengaluru, to adopt such bags.
CCMC has tied up with a Bengaluru-based company named Regeno Ventures Private limited, in the production and promotion of the biodegradable bags.
Talking at the launch, 25-year-old Cibhi Selven, who runs the company, claimed that the bags could be easily dissolved in water.
Unlike normal plastic bags that melt when burnt, these bio-bags become ash when they are burnt. The smoke emanating from the bags during fire is so not harmful,” he said.
“Another important aspect of the bag is that if the water in which the bag is melted is accidentally consumed it is not harmful to health. Plus, the bags are also not harmful to animals if they consume it," added Cibhi.
Despite being an apt alternative to plastic bags, bio-bags are a little costlier compared to normal plastic bags. According to the manufacturers, they cost 80% more than plastic bags.
CCMC had a little earlier brought in biodegradable bags exhibited by Classic Polo during an exhibition that was held recently in Coimbatore. Classic Polo had bought the bags from True Green, another Bengaluru-based manufacturer. However, CCMC have decided to procure from Regeno for the needs of the city.
In order to tackle duplication of these viable bio-bags, it is advised to buy the bags that carry the Coimbatore Smart City logo.
Talking on the day, Commissioner and Special Officer of CCMC Dr.K. Vijayakarthikeyan claimed that the project would be a success if people receive it well.
“Our city is producing 1000 metric tonnes of solid waste each day. If we could recycle most of it, then Coimbatore will be cleaner and healthier", opined the Commissioner.
Talking about the preparations the city is going through for Swachh Survekshan, he invited strong participation of citizens in making Coimbatore an efficient and self sustaining model.
The event was held as a part of the Capacity Building Workshop on Swachh Survekshan - 2018.