Alternatives to plastic shipping bags?

Alternative could be paper bags ,cardboard boxes or sheets, corrugated boxes or sheets, thick paper boxes/sheets or anything made up of paper. ? ? ? 

Corrugated boxes are a good option - but the problem is that they add a lot to the weight of the shipment. Typically, the domestic couriers in India would charge various rates for 500 gms and 1Kg shipments - that's why it's important to keep the shipment under 500 grams. 

Our t-shirts are mostly < 500 grams (including packaging), but without plastic bags, shipment is going to be costlier. 

I've been hearing a lot about biodegradable plastic bags. Does anyone know about them? Any known vendor who can supply them?

There is an interesting item in today's TNIE:

http://epaper.newindianexpress.com/c/29804752

Not for immediate use. There is a company called biogreen in Bangalore that makes various types of biodegradable bags. They also make garment shipping bags for industries, which is not shown in their site. 

I talked to them. If you can mail them your requirements they will respond with all details.

https://biogreenmart.com/contact-us

Just now got this in the mail:

https://www.greenhandle.in/ready-to-deliver/bags/newspaper-bags

This was the mail from them:

Yes. Please Check the link below for newspaper bags
 
RegardsGreenhandle Order Fulfilment Team7400329494 |  

This is a thought provoking article from Scientific American.

Maharashtra's initiative seems to be the way to go.

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/more-recycling-wont-solve-plastic-pollution/?utm_source=pocket&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pockethits