How Genuine Are The Alternative Bags?

Traders, residents say they go by manufacturers' claims

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With the plastics ban in place, restaurants, shops and commercial establishments are going in for alternatives. But they are not sure whether the alternative bags are eco-friendly or biodegradable as claimed by the manufacturers.

"Biodegradable also includes compostable stuff but some items may require certain conditions like higher temperatures of not less than 60 degree Celsius or a suitable inocula. The term compostable means within 60120 days the covers or cups should break down into compost," said ecologist Sultan Ahmed Ismail.