Why are milk producers in India still using LLDPE/LDPE films

As the packaging industry moves towards sustainability, you might wonder why major dairy producers continue to rely on traditional LLDPE/LDPE films rather than switching to compostable packaging. The reasons lie in a complex mix of practical, regulatory, and environmental challenges:

Cost and performance 
LLDPE/LDPE films offer unbeatable cost efficiency and superior barrier properties that keep milk fresh and safe. Compostable alternatives, though promising, are currently more expensive (20-30% higher) and often lack the necessary durability and moisture resistance for liquid dairy products. For large-scale, low-margin products like milk, cost and product protection remain paramount.

Regulatory and food safety barriers
Strict regulatory standards govern milk packaging, requiring proven food-grade safety & barrier performance. Compostable materials face hurdles in meeting these certification requirements for liquid dairy contact, creating uncertainty for producers. Additionally, the absence of harmonised, clear standards on compostable packaging complicates industry adoption.

EPR challenges 
Switching to compostable packaging brings EPR compliance complexities. Producers must manage end-of-life disposal, but the industrial composting infrastructure is limited and unevenly enforced in many regions. This increases liability risks as well as the administrative and financial burden tied to waste management and regulatory reporting.

Supply chain and consumer behaviour
Established supply chains for polyethylene films and consumer familiarity make transitioning risky and resource-intensive. Milk producers prioritise reliability in sourcing, transport, and retail handling, which current compostable films have yet to fully match.

In summary, the preference for LLDPE/LDPE films by dairies is driven by 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆, 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘆, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀. While sustainable options are the future, industry stakeholders need stronger standards, better composting systems, and cost-effective innovations to make switching viable at scale.

Raviraj Pawar is the founder and CEO of Baroda Rapids, manufacturing, exporting and advising global businesses on sustainable, high‑performance biodegradable, compostable, and recycled plastic packaging solutions.