India’s Karnataka state witnessed a green milestone as the Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (Bamul), a major dairy cooperative under Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), launched biodegradable milk packaging at its Kanakapura Mega Dairy. This move aims to curb plastic pollution by replacing traditional polythene with corn-based eco-friendly covers.
In a landmark step for India’s dairy and environmental sectors, the Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (Bamul) introduced biodegradable milk packaging at its Kanakapura Mega Dairy, Karnataka, coinciding with World Environment Day.
Bamul, a leading cooperative under the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), supplies nearly 50% of Bengaluru’s milk and curd. Traditionally using polythene covers, Bamul has now piloted the use of 200,000 biodegradable milk packets made from corn-based material using advanced foreign technology. These new wraps decompose in approximately six months, making them a sustainable solution to the city’s growing plastic waste crisis.
Milk packaging was earlier exempt from plastic bans due to a lack of alternatives. With this innovation, Bamul becomes the first in India to implement biodegradable packaging for milk distribution. If expanded across all operations, over 2 million daily milk packets in Bengaluru could transition to eco-friendly alternatives, substantially reducing urban waste.
Bamul has proudly introduced biodegradable milk packets for the first time in India. This pilot initiative marks a new step by our cooperative to curb plastic pollution on World Environment Day.”
D.K. Suresh, Bamul Director and former MP
Though more costly than traditional materials, Bamul’s move highlights a commitment to long-term environmental sustainability. The initiative sets a precedent for other dairies across India to follow suit in green innovation.
