If you stroll down any street in India, you’ll probably find a kirana store on every street corner. Kirana stores are family-run businesses that have supported India’s retail system for generations, offering everything from grains to toothpaste—and usually on credit—with warmth and familiarity. Still, there is one thing many kirana stores still have in common that needs to change: reliance on single-use plastic carry bags. 

Plastic pollution is one of the world’s major environmental crises. While kirana stores may seem like a small piece of this equation, the sheer number of stores—over 12 million in India—means the collective contribution of kirana stores is significant. When a customer leaves with a plastic bag, the kirana store is unwittingly adding to a huge pile of waste that can take centuries to disappear. 

However, we can look forward to an emerging reality. Switching to compostable carry bags is a small action that could make a big difference—for your store, your customers and the environment. 

Let’s look at why compostable bags are the future of kirana store packaging and how they can help your business in more ways than one.

The Plastic Problem: A Crisis Close to Home

Plastic bags may be convenient, cheap and readily available, but they are not biodegradable and often end up in landfills, drains and animals’ stomachs. India creates about 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, with over 40% of it made up of packaging material.

While some states have put bans on plastic bags into implementation, the enforcement is inconsistent. Kirana stores, with their own constraints on profit margins, often resort back to plastic because it seems inexpensive. They forget that saving money today can have long-term effects:

• Fines and penalties for non-compliance with the state-level plastic bans
• Bad perception from customers in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace
• Environmental destruction that impacts their local communities

Switching to compostable carry bags is no longer a choice; it’s becoming a necessity.

What Are Compostable Carry Bags?

Compostable bags are made from renewable plant-based materials including cornstarch, PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT. Unlike plastic, these bags completely break down within a composting environment in three to six months without any harmful substances or residues. 

This means when disposing of compostable bags properly, they naturally return back to theearth, therefore not contaminating it at all. It is relatively a small material change that will lead to a significant change.

Why Your Kirana Store Needs Compostable Bags

1. Meet Legal Requirements Easily

Many Indian states have legislated outright bans on plastic carry bags. Using only certified compostable alternatives ensures that your kirana store is compliant and will not get sideways from surprise inspections, warnings, or fines.

2. Build Trust and Loyalty with Customers

Consumers today are arguably more conscientious than ever. They are cognizant of the packaging they receive their products in. Offering compostable bags signals to your customers that your store cares about the environment, and that kind of goodwill is emotional — especially with younger shoppers that are aware of environmental issues and are proactive.

3. Set Yourself Apart from the Competition

Many kirana stores, including yours, offer the same products at similar prices. This is an effective and unique way to differentiate yourself based on values and the in-store experience. Giving customers an environmental choice means they can shop from someone who cares about more than just profits.

4. Future-Proof Your Business

As the regulations become more sophisticated, the default requirement for packaging will not be just biodegradable; it will be compostable or a baseline requirement. Early adopters will be the best prepared to adapt and will be the least affected by tightened regulations.

5. Support the Planet Without Losing Profit

Ultimately, compostable bags may be a hair more expensive than plastic, but overall, once you factor in the savings by not receiving fines and developing loyal customers, you will likely end up with more money in your pocket.

Real Impact: How Compostable Bags Make a Difference

Every little bit helps. So if your store provides 100 plastic bags a day, that is 36,500 plastic bags per year. If you switch to compostable bags, it means: 

• Zero microplastic pollution
• Reduced drain clogging
• No harm to cattle and stray animals
• A lower carbon footprint

So now imagine if over 10% of the 12 million kirana stores in India decided to switch. That would mean 400 billion fewer plastic bags every year.

How to Switch to Compostable Carry Bags

Step 1: Find a Certified Supplier

Not all green bags are compostable. Some bags are oxo-degradable—they break into microplastic. Every eco-friendly supplier, like Dr. Earth, provides ISO 17088 certified and CPCB approved bags that come from plant-based materials.

Step 2: Start Small

There is no need to change everything at once. Start with just one size of carry bag and see how it goes over with customers. Once you find the size is a success, start offering other sizes and ways to use them.

Step 3: Educate Your Customers

Put up a simple board near your counter that says:

“We’ve switched to compostable bags to reduce plastic pollution. Thank you for supporting a cleaner planet.”

Customers will appreciate the transparency and may even bring their own bags more often.

Step 4: Train Your Staff

Make sure that your employees understand how to use, store, and provide compostable bags and they can help educate your customers at the checkout too.

Step 5: Offer Reuse Incentives

Encourage your repeat customers to reuse their bags with small rewards or discounts. This will save money and support sustainability.

Common Concerns (and the Truth)

“Aren’t compostable bags too expensive?”
Even though the unit price of compostable bags is higher than what they are accustomed to, volume discounts and overall long-term savings (e.g., avoiding fines) more than compensate for the unit price escalation—and your customers will appreciate these environmental considerations.

“Will they tear easily?”
High-quality compostable bags are much stronger than many people think. Premium-quality compostable bags are both strong and moisture-resistant—excellent for carrying groceries, grains, and even liquids when stored appropriately.

“What if customers don’t care?”
Many customers care deeply—especially younger generations. Even customers who do not have strong environmental tendencies will still accept and use the bag. It does not matter whether they care—it only matters that the impact is made.

“How long do they last in storage?”
Keep the bags in a bread box or a low-humidity, dark storage area; and for the most part, bags will not have any visible issues for at least 6–9 months.

Dr. Earth: Your Partner for Sustainable Packaging

If you’re considering artisan switching, Dr. Earth offers a selection of high-quality compostable carry bags suitable for kirana shops. Our bags are:

• Made from cornstarch and PLA
• Fully certified, issued under ISO 17088 and CPCB
• Different sizes for all daily requirement solutions
• Customizable for your shop branding.
• We work cooperatively with kirana shops across India to reduce their plastic waste—one bag at a time.

We help kirana stores across India reduce their plastic waste—one bag at a time.

Visit https://drearth.co.in to explore our product catalog or place a sample order.

A Real-Life Example: Mehta General Store, Jaipur

Mehta General Store in Jaipur is a 30-year-old kirana shop, that started using compostable bags 6 months ago. They tried it with 500 bags first, and this is what happened:

• Customers liked it and started telling others
• They increased footfall to the store by 10% on a daily basis because they were being told by friends to shop there.
•  They had an article featured in the local newspaper about being an environmentally friendly store.
•  Younger customers started coming just to support the shop.

What started as a small test turned into a full-fledged green transition. The store now plans to expand into reusable cloth bag sales too.

Final Thoughts: The Future Is in Your Hands

Kirana stores are an essential part of Indian retail. They have always been part of the community growth and evolution. In today’s world where sustainability is at the forefront, it’s time for the kiranas to take a step forward leading with some out of the box thinking starting with packaging.

Switching to compostable bags is about much more than just complying with legislation or keeping up appearances. It’s about what is right for the land, the future of your children, and to ensure the longevity of your kirana business.

Start the process today. Step away from plastic. Take a step toward a greener tomorrow!!

FAQs

Q-1. What are compostable bags made of?
Ans- They are made from plant-based materials like cornstarch, PLA, and PBAT — fully biodegradable and non-toxic.

Q-2. Can compostable bags hold heavy groceries?
Ans- Yes. Certified compostable bags are tested for strength and are suitable for grains, vegetables, and packaged goods.

Q-3. Are compostable bags legal across all Indian states?
Ans- Yes, as long as they are ISO 17088 certified and CPCB approved. They meet legal standards in all states.

Q-4. How can I explain the cost increase to customers?
Ans- Share the environmental benefits and your store’s commitment to sustainability. Most customers will support the move.

Q-5. Where can I buy compostable bags in bulk?
Ans- Dr. Earth is one of India’s trusted suppliers of certified compostable bags. Visit https://drearth.co.in to place your order.