In a significant stride towards sustainable dairy innovation, the Bengaluru Milk Union Limited (Bamul), a key unit of the Karnataka Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation (KMF), has launched India’s first biodegradable milk packaging under the Nandini brand. The eco-friendly packaging rollout commenced at the Kanakapura Mega Dairy on World Environment Day, aligning with the cooperative’s broader vision for sustainable dairy farming and environmentally friendly dairy practices.
♻️ Shifting from Polyethene to Planet-Friendly
Traditionally, milk distribution in India has relied on non-biodegradable polyethene packaging, which contributes to environmental degradation. Bamul’s shift to biodegradable wrappers marks a transformational leap in dairy packaging—the initiative is a pilot project with plans for expansion across the state of Karnataka.
“This innovation reflects Bamul’s responsibility not just to dairy farmers and consumers but also to the planet,” said D.K. Suresh, former MP and Bamul Director. “We are proud to pioneer this change and set a national example in sustainable packaging solutions.”
🏭 Infrastructure Boost to Meet Surging Milk Demand
To support the increasing milk intake and growing demand for value-added dairy products, Bamul is investing INR 426 crore in setting up a fully automated processing facility at the Kanakapura plant. Once operational, the facility will handle milk processing and produce high-demand products, including paneer, cheese, and UHT milk.
With Nandini currently retailing 64 dairy products and dominating 80% of the urban milk market, the existing infrastructure is nearing capacity. The new facility aims to enhance milk production and streamline logistics, ensuring timely delivery and consistent quality.
🥛 Expanding Reach with 1,000 New Outlets
Bamul is also gearing up to expand its retail footprint with 1,000 new Nandini outlets in Bengaluru, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Indian dairy industry and further increase its market share by at least 5%. The cooperative sees growing interest in ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, which offers a shelf life of up to 24 weeks and caters to modern consumer demands for convenience and hygiene.
According to KMF officials, the federation plans to scale up UHT milk conversion, marking a shift in how milk is distributed and consumed across urban centres.
