In a significant move at mitigating environmental pollution, Aavin, the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone, that it intends to adopt alternative packaging methods, thereby relinquishing its reliance on single-use plastic milk packets.

This assumes significance in the wake of a petition filed by SP Surendranath Karthik from Chennai and Ayya from Palayamkottai in the NGT, who urged Aavin and other companies in TN to explore eco-friendly packaging options, such as glass bottles, instead of plastic packets that have been in vogue for over 30 years.

During a recent hearing, the NGT’s Southern Zone bench, comprising judicial member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati, appraised Aavin of its intention to study the feasibility of distributing milk using green alternatives. The tribunal, expressing confidence in Aavin’s ability to devise a permanent solution, adjourned the hearing to April 8.

On December 16, 2024, the NGT had directed Aavin to explore the possibility of selling milk in reusable plastic bottles, citing concerns over the significant plastic waste generated at its Ambattur dairy unit. However, the TN Milk Dealers Labourers Welfare Association on Tuesday vehemently opposed the proposed shift from plastic packaging to alternative forms, such as glass bottles, for milk distribution.