UK airport group AGS Airports has launched a trial of a new eco-friendly security bag as it works to reduce its carbon footprint.

The trial will see the introduction of a new oxo-biodegradable 100ml security bag in the security areas of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports.

The sustainable security bag, which will be available free of charge, is expected to help AGS Airports in replacing the more than two million single-use plastic bags that are used across the group every year.

These eco-friendly bags have a limited lifespan, following which it will start degrading to natural biomass without having adverse impact on the environment.

However, each of these bags can also be reused and recycled before the beginning of the degrading period.

AGS Airports chief operating officer Mark Johnston said: “We are proud to be the first group to trial these new oxo-biodegradable security bags, which will significantly reduce single-use plastic consumption across our three airports.

“Finding a suitable alternative that met both our security and operational requirements while retaining the necessary resilience the bags require was a challenge, so we’re really pleased to be able to trial a product that can not only be re-used and recycled, but also provides our passengers with the assurance that they are also supporting our efforts to support the environment.”

The airport group introduced the oxo-biodegradable bags in partnership with Enviro-Point, a subsidiary of airport service company Luggage-Point.

Enviro-Point chief executive Graeme Stewart said: “We have a long and trusted relationship with AGS through our association via Luggage-Point and I am delighted to see the group become the first in the UK to provide oxo-biodegradable liquid bags within their airports.”

Headquartered in the UK, AGS Airports owns and manages three airports in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton.