How are Sustainable Practices Shaping the Food Packaging Landscape in India

Co-founder of CaterNinja Mr. Anup Agarwal

The ecological effect of food packaging is a persistent concern across the globe, with single-use plastic being one of the core contributors to global waste. Each year, nearly 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, while up to 500 billion plastic bags are used. That’s not all! A staggering 88% fast food packaging waste makes the world’s coastline litter, underlining the crisis which is underway. 

In India, the situation is equally distressing. Out of 9.46 million tons of plastic waste generated in the country, 40% remains uncollected, and only a minor proportion is recycled; the rest being dumped in landfills. This waste further adds to fatal health issues for humans and wildlife alike. In response to this, there has been a swelling demand for sustainable food packaging solutions to cut down waste and condense the carbon imprint associated with conventional packaging materials. 

The tide is beginning to turn, with the growth of eco-consciousness among consumers and businesses in recent years. Stressing upon this trend, the sustainable packaging market in India was valued at 5.46 million metric tonnes in 2022. It is likely to reach an impressive 8.22 million metric tonnes by 2028, mounting at a CAGR of 7.36% in the 2023-2028 period. This number is driven by aspects such as cognizance of environmental issues and climate change. Governmental guidelines are instrumental in this movement, as it is aiming for the reduction of single-use plastics and accelerating the embrace of eco-friendly packaging. Numerous state and central governments have also launched measures, such as banning single-use plastics and promoting recycling programs.

In addition to this, some of the notable trends in packaging witnessed thus far comprise the integration of biodegradable materials to enhance the durability of packaging. Options, such as those made from corn starch, sugarcane pulp and mushrooms, are gaining acceptance since they break down naturally without leaving toxic residues. In the same vein, minimalist packaging has become an idyllic alternative, particularly for new-age consumers. They simply do away with unnecessary constituents and display a sophisticated appeal. Furthermore, these have proven to be profitable for brands in lowering expenses and shipment prices, thereby lessening ecological excess. 

At CaterNinja.com, we’ve closely followed this shift not just as observers, but as active participants. As one of India’s leading digital catering brand and food solution providers, we serve a wide range of cuisines—right from authentic North Indian food to continental and regional delicacies—customised to the occasion and preferences of our clients. We understand that packaging is as important as the food itself, especially when catering to bulk orders, events, and office setups. That’s why 95% of our packaging has transitioned to sustainable alternatives—ranging from biodegradable containers to compostable cutlery—ensuring our food doesn’t just taste good but also feels good for the planet. Our efforts align with broader market trends, while offering our customers a more conscious and convenient way to enjoy meals tailored to their needs.

Plant-based packaging is another prevailing alternative to petroleum-based plastics. It is mainly derived from renewable sources like plant fibers, starch and agricultural waste. A classic example of this is coconut shells, banana leaves and sugarcane bagasse which are being utilised for packaging ready-to-eat foods and takeaway containers. Similarly, an interesting invention has been edible packaging, crafted from food-grade materials, like rice and seaweed, which can be consumed and decomposed safely. Its technology is still in nascent stages but it possesses the potential to considerably cut waste in the food sector. Alongside, recyclable and reusable packaging solutions are making their way into the Indian market. Glass containers, metal tins, and corrugated boxes are examples of packaging materials used as part of a shift toward a circular economy model. 

While the potential of sustainable packaging solutions appears to be immense, a range of challenges continue to persist towards its widespread adoption. It includes the high cost of sustainable materials, inadequate access to the technology required for their production and a dearth of awareness about recycling among consumers. In addition, the lack of proper waste management infrastructure in many regions of India makes it difficult to effectively recycle or compost packaging materials. This has created circumstances where even biodegradable packaging often ends up in landfills, defeating the purpose. Put together, these developments necessitate policy intervention and investment in recycling infrastructure to ascertain that sustainable packaging solutions are efficiently managed. Such a massive changeover requires a strategic approach and collaborative spirit among businesses, governments and consumers. Awareness programs and incentives to dispose of packaging materials may also create an impactful change. 

In a nutshell, it can be said that the growing demand for sustainable food packaging in the nation marks a significant movement for the food industry. Biodegradable, minimalist and other packaging solutions are making waves, led by consumer demand, government regulations and steady innovations. Consequently, switching to sustainable packaging practices is the need of the hour. It will play a pivotal role in mitigating the environmental concerns of plastic waste, in addition to reaping long-term benefits for the planet.At CaterNinja, we are proud to be a part of this positive change—not only through packaging innovation but also by reimagining the way food is delivered, experienced, and enjoyed with sustainability at its core.