BENGALURU: An NRI entrepreneur from Qatar has come up with a biodegradable alternative to plastic bags. It is affordable, eco-friendly and will cause no harm even if one gulps it down by mistake.The creation of Bengalurean Ashwath Hegde (24), the bag is made of natural products like tapioca starch granules. Ashwath, who has been at the forefront of campaigns against plastic usage in Qatar, is all set to introduce the organic carry bags in Bengaluru. Ashwath has boiled the bags, burnt them and even consumed them to prove his point.Members of Ashwath’s team said the organic bags will cost lesser than cloth bags and a little more than plastic ones. “Several tests have been conducted by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Central Institute of Plastic Engineering , TUV-SUD South Asia and Technology and Sriram Institute for Industrial Research . The bags have been boiled and burnt, and been tested for strength. All the organizations have given them a green signal,” said a member.Ashwath said: “India generates more than 5.6 billion toxic plastic waste every year. Cows are among the worst affected animals. Bags from our company EnviGreen are made of tapioca fibre and vegetable waste, and are 100% organic, edible and recyclable. The tapioca fibre, vegetable waste and oils would be bought directly from farmers, which would be highly profitable and a good source of alternate income for them.”The entrepreneur and his team are planning to set up factories across Karnataka and are hopeful of introducing the organic bags at stores starting January 2017.