Commons shop to use degradable bags

Biothene is made using standard oil-based polythene plus an additive, which makes the bags degrade in 12-18 months.

"The bags are not classed as compostable because they do not degrade fast enough under European laws, however they are suitable for home composting," said Jayson Clark, managing director at CFN Packaging in Skegness, which is making the bags for the House of Commons.

Biothene starts to degrade upon exposure to sunlight and the process is accelerated by heat, to leave a non-toxic residue.

Clark said CFN was currently offering the bags for free as an incentive for businesses to switch from standard carrier bags.

Since April 2006, around 184,000 branded plastic bags have been purchased by the House of Commons.

From this month, the Biothene bags are being phased in by the House of Commons as existing stocks are used up.

Other organisations that use Biothene bags for their shops include the Natural History Museum, London Zoo and the Tate galleries.