Sustainable packaging for agri-produce: How paper can reduce post-harvest losses in India
India ranks among the top global producers of fruits, vegetables and grains, yet a considerable portion of this harvest never reaches consumers in good condition. Losses from microbial spoilage and moisture damage remain a persistent challenge, costing farmers, cooperatives and supply chains billions each year. While investments in cold chain infrastructure and logistics upgrades are important, packaging is often the most overlooked yet most immediate line of defence. Paper packaging, when designed with keeping performance in mind, offers a scalable and sustainable way to reduce waste while easing the plastic burden on rural ecosystems.
Why losses occur across the supply chain
Post-harvest losses in India happen at numerous points, such as initial field handling and village-level aggregation to transport, wholesale redistribution and last-mile retail or e-commerce. Produce is often damaged due to crushing and vibrations during transit, moisture imbalances caused by condensation in hot and humid conditions, poor gas exchange that accelerates ripening and microbial contamination that spreads rapidly in moist environments.
The evolution of paper packaging
Far from being just “paper wrap,” modern paper packaging has evolved into a highly versatile and engineered solution. Unlike many plastics, paper offers natural breathability, which allows gas and vapor exchange while preventing excessive dehydration. Vented cartons and paper liners are particularly effective for sensitive crops like tomatoes, okra, leafy greens, mushrooms and mangoes. Advances in wet-strength resins and plant-based coatings have made paper durable even in monsoon conditions, keeping packages intact without compromising recyclability. By balancing performance with sustainability, paper packaging positions itself as both a protective and eco-friendly alternative.
Antimicrobial protection and traceability advantages
Modern paper packaging can also support food safety through antimicrobial coatings made from chitosan or plant-derived extracts. These coatings inhibit microbial growth, which is especially useful in rural areas where wash-water quality may vary. Alongside protection, paper excels in traceability. Its printable surface allows clear, high-contrast markings for harvest dates, batch codes, farm IDs and QR codes, enabling farmers and cooperatives to track produce across the supply chain. For buyers, this enhances transparency and reduces risk, while for producers, it strengthens their market reputation. At the end of its lifecycle, recyclable and compostable paper minimises landfill leakage and aligns with India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) goals.
The economic value of paper
Packaging Beyond sustainability, paper packaging makes strong economic sense for farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), cooperatives and agri-MSMEs. Better moisture management reduces rejection rates and downgrades during grading, mandis and e-commerce checks. Even a 24- to 48-hour extension in the shelf life of perishable produce can mean the difference between distressed sales and premium returns. Adoption requires minimal investment since paper solutions can be used with existing manual packing processes, eliminating the need for costly sealing equipment. In addition, paper packaging strengthens sustainability credentials, making products more appealing to both domestic retailers and international markets that are increasingly focused on eco-friendly supply chains.
Designing packaging for performance
To deliver maximum results, paper packaging must follow certain design principles. Selecting the right paper grade is essential, with single-wall corrugation suitable for short routes and double-wall corrugation necessary for longer hauls or heavy stacking. Liner weights of 40 to 70 gsm provide strength, while coated surfaces resist scuffing and enhance print clarity. Ventilation must be carefully designed to ensure the right balance between respiration and moisture retention, as too many holes can cause dehydration. Coatings should remain compostable and repulpable, with coat weights clearly declared to preserve recyclability.
Roadmap for rapid implementation
Adopting paper packaging can be achieved in as little as 90 days with a structured approach. The first step is to conduct a baseline audit of key commodities, current packaging practices and points of loss. In the following weeks, multiple packaging prototypes can be developed for each commodity. Controlled transport trials across humid and dry routes will then provide data on damage reduction and shelf-life extension. Once performance is validated, final specifications can be locked, suppliers onboarded and standard operating procedures shared with farmers and packhouse staff. This quick, results-driven process allows for visible improvements within a single agricultural season.
By addressing the issues of moisture, gas exchange and mechanical stress at the unit level, it amplifies the benefits of larger infrastructural upgrades. For India’s smallholders, FPOs and agri-MSMEs, it delivers the combination of loss reduction, sustainability compliance and brand differentiation. By protecting produce, improving market returns and supporting regulatory goals, paper packaging safeguards both livelihoods and the environment. In a nation striving for food security and sustainable growth, paper emerges as more than just a packaging material, as it becomes a driver of resilience, efficiency and ecological balance.
(The author is Founder and MD Chandpur Paper)
Published on September 7, 2025
