TOWARD A GREENER TOMORROW

Advancing Sustainability in India’s Poultry Sector

India’s poultry sector stands as a vital pillar of the nation's economy, food security, and rural livelihoods. With rapid expansion driven by rising demand for affordable protein, the sector now contributes nearly $22 billion annually and supports over 30 million farmers. However, this growth brings with it pressing environmental challenges, particularly in waste management, plastic usage, and biohazard control. As we collectively aim to build a sustainable future, there is a growing need to adopt eco-friendly practices that reduce environmental damage while improving food safety and operational efficiency
The Environmental Impact of Poultry Waste India’s poultry sector generates an estimated 25 million tonnes of waste annually, comprising:
● Packaging waste: Over 6 million tonnes of mostly single-use plastic, adding to India’s mounting microplastic crisis.
● Poultry Farm Waste: ~4 million tonnes, requiring responsible disposal Dead birds and biohazard waste to avoid disease outbreaks. Improper disposal and non-biodegradable materials not only degrade ecosystems but also pose serious biosecurity and public health risks. Key Challenges That Demand Urgent Action
● Plastic & Microplastic Pollution: Packaging for eggs, meat, and farm use often ends up in landfills or waterways.
● Biohazard Waste Disposal: Litter and mortalities, if not managed hygienically, can cause contamination and health threats.
● Cross-Contamination: Improper handling during processing can introduce bacteria like Salmonella into the food chain.
● Resource Overuse: Non-biodegradable packaging contributes to environmental degradation and carbon emissions.

Sustainable Solutions: The Way Forward To ensure long-term sustainability, the poultry industry must pivot toward biodegradable, compostable, and hygienic solutions:
✅Hygienic Processing & Transport
● Compostable Bulk Liners: Designed for safe, moisture-proof handling of meat and eggs—reducing risk of contamination.
✅Eco-Friendly Retail Packaging
● Compostable Takeaway Bags & Pouches: Replace plastic with biodegradable options, enhancing brand value.
● Customizable Branding: Allows retailers and producers to reflect environmental commitment on their packaging.
✅Food Safety & Shelf Life
● Antimicrobial Active Packaging: Infused with plant-based oils to inhibit bacteria like Salmonella, extending product shelf life and enhancing safety.
✅Compostable Waste Handling
● Leak-Proof Biohazard Bags & Liners: Ideal for collecting litter and mortalities—preventing microplastic leaching and disease transmission.
● Biodegradable Floor Sheets: Manage poultry litter hygienically while reducing ammonia emissions and improving cleanup.

Shresta Nutritions Sets an Example
Shresta Nutritions Pvt Ltd, a Bangalore-based breeding company, has taken the lead in sustainable retail by removing plastic from their packaging at their newly launched ‘Shresta Chicken’ outlets.


At Shresta Nutritions, we believe every small step matters. We’ve eliminated single-use plastics in our packaging and shifted to compostable alternatives across all outlets. This is our ongoing commitment to a greener, healthier future—not just for the environment, but for our consumers too.”
— Sunil K Shetty, Managing Director, Shresta Nutritions Pvt Ltd

"Biodegradable packaging plays a crucial role in poultry production—not only in the safe and eco-friendly disposal of dead birds and farm waste, but also in offering hygienic, sustainable alternatives for meat packing and carry bags in poultry retail." — Dr. G. B Puttanaiah, Senior Scientist Poultry Science & Retd. Technical Director, Nutri Feeds & Farms Pvt Ltd, Ex. Technical Committee Chairman, KPFBA

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