A company in the region has devised a new type of recyclable packaging.

GM Packaging, in North Shields, North Tyneside, makes the packing from natural ingredients, such as starch.

The resin cups and containers function and look as if made from oil-based plastics, which are used in objects from disposable glasses to sandwich containers.

However, Bioware will decompose completely in industrial composting facilities - turning to compost soil within two months.

Graham Montague, managing director of GM Packaging, said he had developed the packaging in response to demand from customers.

"Society today has become more of a disposable society. Certainly, ten years ago there wasn't the demand for such a high volume of takeaway food or indeed takeaway packaging.

"Today, more and more people are more environmentally conscious, so it's great that we can deliver products that reflect this."

GM Packaging also supplies paper, polythene, plastic and polystyrene packaging.