“We are excited to share that through our ‘Give Back the Milk Pack’ program, we have recycled over 40,000kg of plastic waste in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad This accomplishment shows the powerful change communities can create when they unite for a shared goal.”
Shashi Kumar
Sustainable dairy aims to balance the production of nutritious dairy products with environmental, social and economic responsibility. It focusses on minimizing the industry’s carbon footprint through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and efficient resource management. It prioritizes animal welfare with humane treatment and comfortable conditions. It ensures economic viability for farmers and promotes social equity through fair labour and community engagement. Ultimately, it strives for a resilient and environment-conscious dairy sector. Shashi Kumar, CEO & Co-Founder, Akshayakalpa Organic shares insights on setting new benchmarks in recycling with Keerthana Sundar, Clean India Journal
Akshayakalpa Organic is an Indian certified organic dairy company. The manufacturing process is designed to ensure high-quality products while maintaining sustainability and hygiene. Milk is collected from farms in insulated vans and undergoes rigorous testing, including repeats of farm-level tests, to ensure strict quality control. The milk is then filtered and stored in silos at 2°C before being distributed to various machinery for processing into products like butter, ghee, curds, cheese, or pasteurized milk. The process includes automated cleaning systems and dedicated facilities for cheese aging and packaging, ensuring that all products meet high standards of quality and purity.
The company’s “Give Back the Milk Pack” initiative has achieved a significant milestone, recycling over 40,000 kg of plastic waste across Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad since its 2022 launch.
Beyond Organic Milk
The company’s mission extends beyond producing high-quality, antibiotic-free dairy products. It is deeply invested in creating a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both consumers and the environment. This includes:
• “Give Back the Milk Pack” Initiative: This program encourages consumers to actively participate in plastic waste reduction by returning their used milk packets for responsible recycling. The simple three-step process – rinse, dry, and return – empowers consumers to make a tangible difference
• Community Engagement: Lake cleaning drives and neighbourhood cleanliness initiatives are organized across major cities, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship
• Eco-Conscious Packaging: Sustainable packaging solutions including paperboard and leaf-based packaging are encouraged to minimize plastic usage
• Sustainable Farming Practices: The company’s core philosophy revolves around sustainable farming, ensuring stable incomes for farmers and promoting soil health through organic practices.
The Farmer-Centric Model
Shashi Kumar, emphasizes the critical role of farmers in achieving sustainability. “Sustainability, for us, starts with the soil,” he states. “Our goal is to create a system where farmers can generate stable and predictable incomes through sustainable practices.”
Farmer-entrepreneurship initiatives are designed to attract young people to farming, ensuring a future where food production remains viable. By providing farmers with the necessary training and support, Akshayakalpa is building a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Clean Label Processing
A “clean label” philosophy is followed, avoiding the use of sugars, emulsifiers, and preservatives. Their facilities operate on a zero-discharge model, with wastewater treated and reused for agricultural purposes.
“We believe in creating products that are not only good for consumers but also good for the environment,” explains Shashi Kumar. “Our processing methods are designed to minimize waste and ensure that our products are as natural as possible.”
Overcoming Challenges and Scaling for Impact
Scaling a sustainable business model presents unique challenges. Heavy investment in educating and training farmers carried out, recognizing that organic practices require a significant shift in mindset. Looking ahead, the company aims to expand its reach by working with more farmers in diverse agro-climatic regions. The goal is to empower 5,000 farmers within the next 10 years, creating a network of sustainable agriculture that benefits communities across India.