A WORCESTER eco-bag company has been crowned one of the country’s top new green businesses in the 2008 HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards.

Michele and Justin Chieffo, founders of Be Eco UK Ltd, were presented with their award at a gala dinner attended by 300 guests at London’s Dorchester Hotel.

Under pressure from their son Luc to reduce the household reliance on plastic carrier bags, the couple from Drake Avenue, Dines Green, came up with a solution that is commercially as well as environmentally sustainable.

Be Eco was launched in May last year, producing a range of re-usable bags including the Be-Eco bag, a small fabric bag that holds up to 30 disposable or re-usable carriers.

The concept met with immediate interest from a major supermarket, followed by other high street retailers, department stores and grocery stores. An appearance on the ITV1 series Tycoon brought further success, while the company has continued to develop new products to meet customers’ needs.

Now Mr and Mrs Chieffo have their sights set on the US market, with the giant Walmart an initial target.

Further international expansion is also on the agenda following extensive research into the response of different countries to the problem of reducing plastic bag usage and the identification of markets with the most potential.

Huw Morgan, HSBC’s head of business banking, said: “The Start-Up Stars Awards have made a name for themselves by spotting exciting new businesses with a difference. The Green Award recognises the growing number of companies who are leading the way towards a new economy – one based on conservation and care, rather than excess and waste.

“We hope the success of Be Eco UK Ltd will inspire other young businesses to ask themselves what else they can do to preserve our environment and protect our future.”