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As the festivities unfold, the push towards eco-friendly choices becomes more than a trend—it’s an extension of the Diwali spirit itself, honoring the environment as part of the celebration
More consumers and brands are moving beyond aesthetics to seek options that honor the planet
Diwali is here, bringing with it the vibrant spirit of joy, prosperity, and kindness. Traditionally, these values have been directed towards loved ones and communities, but this festive season, they’re extending to the environment as well. With heightened awareness about the impact of plastic waste, the spotlight is on packaging, which makes up nearly 40% of the plastic waste generated globally. More consumers and brands are moving beyond aesthetics to seek options that honor the planet, but challenges remain—especially in distinguishing genuinely sustainable choices from mere “green” labels.
Vaibhav Anant, Founder & CEO, Bambrew, reflects on this evolving mindset, saying, “Diwali embodies the spirit of joy, prosperity, and kindness. In today’s world, that kindness must extend to the environment that sustains us.” The surge in packaging waste during festivals underscores the importance of sustainable alternatives. However, Anant points out that a major obstacle lies in a “syntax problem”—a general lack of clarity around what constitutes truly sustainable packaging.
“Many of the so-called ‘eco-friendly’ alternatives aren’t as green as they seem,” Anant explains. Without the proper industrial composting infrastructure, these “plant-based” plastics break down into microplastics rather than decomposing fully, leading to lasting environmental harm. To address this, Bambrew encourages the use of materials like bamboo and biophill, which can decompose naturally without causing pollution. “This festive season, we’re encouraging brands and consumers alike to look beyond greenwashing and embrace packaging that aligns with eco-conscious values—packaging that doesn’t just tick a box, but makes a real difference,” Anant emphasizes.
Prashanth Vasan, CEO, Origin, also highlights the importance of conscious consumerism during Diwali. “Moments of increased consumption bring the urgency of conscious consumerism back into focus,” he says. With around 65% of consumers now seeking products with sustainable or minimal packaging, brands that prioritize genuinely eco-friendly practices find themselves more closely aligned with consumer expectations. For Vasan, sustainability isn’t a buzzword but a core value. Origin’s commitment to providing fresh produce is matched by a dedication to eco-friendly packaging designed to break down naturally, enriching the soil without leaving harmful microplastics. “Unlike traditional plastic packaging, our compostable materials decompose without polluting,” Vasan explains. “By offering solutions like these, we’re helping customers celebrate while keeping sustainability front and center.”
As the festivities unfold, the push towards eco-friendly choices becomes more than a trend—it’s an extension of the Diwali spirit itself, honoring the environment as part of the celebration. With leaders like Anant and Vasan championing the cause, more brands and consumers alike can join in making this Diwali a season of joy, prosperity, and sustainability.
