Mother Dairy Launches India's First Soil-Degradable Milk Packaging

Mother Dairy, a prominent supplier of fresh milk in India, has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation in packaging. The company has launched India's first milk pouch that is naturally degradable in soil, aiming to leave no trace of plastic waste. This development is part of the company's commitment to environmental sustainability and will first be rolled out in the Delhi-NCR region on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.

The new packaging innovation has been in development for over four years, according to Jayatheertha Chary, Managing Director of Mother Dairy. The pouch is designed to degrade into bioavailable wax, which is then broken down by soil microbes into natural elements. This process significantly reduces the environmental impact of traditional plastic packaging, which can take centuries to decompose.

Mother Dairy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), sells approximately 5.5 million litres of milk per day across various states in India. The company also produces a wide range of dairy products, as well as edible oils and fresh produce under its Dhara and Safal brands, respectively.

The new degradable pouch will initially be used for cow milk sold in the Delhi-NCR region. Importantly, this transition to eco-friendly packaging will not affect the consumer price of milk. Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB, emphasized that this innovation reflects the sector's ability to lead in sustainability while maintaining affordability for consumers.

Established in 1974, Mother Dairy has a diversified product portfolio that includes milk products such as cultured products, ice creams, paneer, and ghee. The company is committed to advancing sustainable practices in the dairy sector, setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility.