CONTEXT

• India grapples with plastic pollution; single-use plastic ban attempts remain only partially effective.
• Dairy industry contributes significantly to plastic waste via milk packaging.
• Karnataka may become the first Indian state to commercialize biodegradable milk packets.

CONCEPT

• What is it? Bio-degradable and bio-compostable milk packets made of corn starch, tested by BAMUL (Bangalore Urban, Rural & Ramanagara Milk Union).

• Corn Starch Packaging Features:
  • Made from plant-based material, safe for the environment.
    Decomposes within 6 months into fertiliser, enriching soil fertility.
  • Both bio-degradable (breaks down naturally) and bio-compostable (adds value as compost).

• Problem with Conventional Plastic Milk Packets:
  • Take nearly 500 years to decompose.
  • Contribute significantly to landfill, clogging drains, harming soil & marine life.
  • Difficult to recycle, especially when contaminated with dairy residues.

CURRENT

• Pilot Initiative:
  • BAMUL started daily trials from June 5, 2025, supplying 120 packets/day to Hunsenahalli (Kanakapura).
  • Zero leakage or quality compromise observed.
    Partnered with a private firm, testing underway for nearly a year.
• Plan Ahead:
  • Post-successful trials, plan to expand to Bengaluru.
  •  Later, roll out to the entire state through Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).
  •  Cost may rise by only 5%, considered manageable.
• Past Attempts & Learnings:

2018: BBMP urged KMF to explore plastic alternatives; effort stalled.
Other states’ failures:

• • Kerala’s Milk ATMs (bring-your-own container) idea didn’t take off.
  • Reintroduction of glass bottles proved unviable.
• Why This Matters:
  • India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.
  • Sustainable packaging in essential goods like milk can drive behavioral and policy change.