The latest move in the battle against plastic bags comes with the introduction of an environmentally friendly carrier bag made from potatoes.

The Biopac Good Bag is made from 100% waste potato starch and turns into compost in just 12 weeks if put on a compost heap, or can be put in household bins. The bags break down into carbon dioxide, water, and non-toxic materials.

Manufacturer Biopac says more than 50 businesses in the Bristol area have taken the Good Bag, with one retailer now selling 150 compostable bags per week instead of giving away 1,000 plastic ones.

The Good Bag can be branded with a store name.