Ukhi has launched Ecogran, a newly developed packaging material intended for use by fashion brands and e-commerce companies seeking alternatives to traditional plastics.
The business states that this material is both biodegradable and compostable, aiming to provide lower-cost options with reduced environmental impact.
Ecogran is produced using renewable resources and is designed to decompose fully in industrial composting facilities, leaving no toxic residues.
Although it visually resembles plastic and matches its functional properties, it does not contain plastic components, according to media reports.
Manufacturers using Ecogran-based packaging are not constrained by the same material thickness requirements as conventional plastic.
This allows for reductions in material use while retaining necessary strength and durability.
Ecogran can cost anywhere from Rs1.05 ($0.01) to Rs2.5, depending on size and intended use.
The company reports similar outcomes for garment bags and industrial pouches.
A spokesperson for Ukhi said: "For years, sustainability came with a premium. We decided that was the wrong problem to accept. With Ecogran, brands don't have to pay more to do the right thing.
Ecogran is formulated to be compatible with existing plastic processing equipment. This enables manufacturers and brands to adopt the material without modifying machines or altering supply chains.
Industry observers have often identified cost as a primary obstacle preventing the wider adoption of compostable materials. Ukhi claims its approach addresses this issue by offering potential savings of up to 70%-80% compared with similar plastic products.
Looking ahead, Ukhi plans to expand Ecogran production across India and overseas markets by working with fashion brands, packaging converters, and online retailers.
The stated objective is to position biodegradable packaging as a mainstream choice rather than a specialist alternative.
Last year, Ukhi signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) for advancing sustainable packaging initiatives in India.
The partnership includes joint research and development activities focused on new packaging materials and technologies.
