The humble milk packet goes through a sustainable journey as it gets upcycled and made into various products.
What’s it about? The milk packet that many have at home is something that usually gets thrown away. But it can be upcycled or recycled. Shakti Plastic Industries collects these and other plastic wrappers from across India, including Chennai, directly or through NGOs. Upcycling can help reduce plastic waste at dump yards by 30%.
- The packets contain low-density polyethene (LDPE) that can be used to make dustbins, stools, pens, folders, etc. Recycled plastic is no longer food-grade.
- Inspired by the Milk bag project in Mumbai, Himani Datar collects milk packets from individuals, schools, offices, and gated communities. They’re then shipped off to recyclers across India.
Other schemes: Manglam Balasubramanian has been upcycling for 13 years now with government officials among her customers. Renuka Devi, inspired by this, makes bags from Aavin milk packets for ₹200. She began Aadhira, a skill development centre. Aavin themselves have a scheme where milk packets can be given to outlets for 10 paise each.