As part of its efforts to reduce plastics in garbage, Aavin is all set to buy back used milk packets. It supplies over 12 lakh litres of milk daily in Chennai, and has placed bins at 40 points across the city.
“We plan to pay our consumers for the milk packets. It will be a burden on Aavin’s finances, nevertheless it is intended to encourage people to bring in the used covers, instead of disposing them into bins along with the municipal waste. We are doing our bit for the environment. If they are unable to go to these points, they can also give covers to their milk supply boys, who will also be given an incentive for their efforts,” Aavin managing director C. Kamaraj told The Hindu.
The milk major has identified a recycler and has also put in a system to collect the used covers.
According to Mathew Jose, founder, Paperman Foundation, not many people sell used milk covers.
Matter of convenience
“Most consumers just dump them into the bin, since it is a matter of convenience. Collecting milk covers to sell it to the raddiwallah involves washing the packet and drying it. If it is not washed, it will attract flies and ants. Just about 5% consumers would probably do this,” he said.
S. Pon Sebastian, an old paperman, said earlier used milk packets were sold for ₹3-4 a kilogram, but the prices had gone up. A kilogram is now purchased for ₹10. “In a kilogram, we get about 350 packets. But only one or two customers collect and give us packets,” he said.
The Tamil Nadu government banned single use plastics from January 1, and exemption was granted for milk and other liquids, since they had to be packed in a hygienic manner.
Published - June 23, 2019 12:53 am IST
