Karnataka Milk Federation to launch eco-friendly Nandini milk packets | Bengaluru News
Bengaluru: In a significant step towards sustainability, Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) is set to introduce eco-friendly milk packaging for its popular brand, Nandini, in Bengaluru. The new biodegradable milk packets are made from corn starch, sugarcane and other plant-based materials. Unlike conventional polythene packets that take over 500 years to decompose, these eco-friendly alternatives break down naturally within 90 days and can even be converted into organic fertiliser. The initiative follows a successful pilot programme recently launched by Bangalore Milk Union Limited (Bamul), a branch of KMF. The trial began at Kanakapura Mega Dairy and is currently being implemented at Hunasanahalli village and surrounding areas. “So far, the feedback has been very positive. No leakage, no compromise on milk quality, and high consumer satisfaction,” said KMF managing director Shivaswamy B.According to KMF officials, the biodegradable sachets look and feel similar to traditional plastic packaging, offering familiarity to consumers while being significantly more environmentally friendly. Raghunandan M, director of marketing at KMF, highlighted the broader impact of the switch. “We currently use 20 to 25 lakh plastic milk packets daily. Under the central govt’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy, we spend heavily on recycling nearly 15,000 metric tonnes of plastic per year. Transitioning to biodegradable packaging will not only reduce this cost but also help us tackle Bengaluru’s growing plastic waste problem.” Encouraged by the success of the pilot, KMF plans to roll out biodegradable milk packets across all Nandini outlets in Bengaluru from July. A statewide implementation is expected to follow soon after. If adopted widely, this initiative could set a new benchmark for sustainable dairy practices in India and significantly reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste in urban areas.
