Jute Vs Plastic – India’s Sugar Industry Clashes With Government

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – In a country where over 28 million tons of sugar are consumed annually, a legal battle is brewing—not over production or pricing, but packaging. At stake: the environmental implications of choosing between traditional jute and plastic.

The Indian government is defending a law from 1987 that mandates sugar mills to package at least 20% of their output in jute bags. Officials say the measure is not just about supporting a traditional industry but about promoting biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging.

Jute, a natural fiber, is both biodegradable and renewable. Its cultivation supports approximately four million agricultural families, largely in eastern India. Advocates say increased use of jute could help reduce dependence on plastic and curb the country’s rising packaging waste—especially as India continues to struggle with plastic pollution in urban and rural areas alike.

But Reuters reports that sugar manufacturers argue that jute packaging isn’t economically viable. According to industry representatives, using jute bags costs the sector an additional $76 million each year compared to recyclable plastic bags. They also claim that jute poses hygiene and contamination risks—concerns reportedly cited by bulk buyers like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and ITC.

In court filings, the South Indian Sugar Mills Association has said that many major food and beverage companies refuse to accept sugar packaged in jute due to concerns over food safety and quality.

The central government, however, has dismissed these claims. In a submission to the Karnataka High Court, it argued that jute bags are stronger and more pest-resistant than plastic alternatives. The law, the government says, serves as “welfare legislation” intended to protect a traditional industry while aligning with broader environmental goals.

This conflict mirrors other recent disputes between industry and the Indian government over environmental regulations. Technology and appliance companies have separately challenged Indian rules requiring them to contribute more to e-waste recycling.