In a major eco-friendly innovation for India’s dairy sector, the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has announced that its flagship brand Nandini is testing biodegradable corn-based milk packet covers, becoming the first in the country to initiate such a sustainability drive.
The pilot project, currently underway in select districts of Karnataka, is aimed at replacing traditional plastic milk pouches with biopolymer-based alternatives made from corn starch, which are fully compostable and environmentally safe.
“This is a landmark step toward reducing plastic waste in India’s dairy packaging,” said a senior KMF official. “If successful, it will be scaled across the state and potentially influence national packaging policies.”
- Material: Corn-based biopolymer
- Eco impact: 100% biodegradable and compostable
- Pilot areas: Bengaluru Rural, Mandya, and Mysuru
- Goal: Reduce over 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually
Each year, millions of plastic milk packets contribute to non-biodegradable waste in India. By switching to corn-based covers, KMF aims to significantly reduce its environmental footprint and set a new standard for green packaging in the dairy industry.
The move has been welcomed by environmental groups and sustainability experts, who hope that Nandini’s initiative will inspire other dairy brands like Amul and Mother Dairy to explore similar alternatives.
“It’s not just about milk — it’s about responsibility,” said Dr. Reema Nair, a Bengaluru-based environmentalist. “This is a game-changing step that aligns with India’s fight against single-use plastic.”
As India continues to battle climate change and pollution, Nandini’s biodegradable milk covers could mark the beginning of a larger packaging revolution in the FMCG and food sectors.
