DS Group, a leading FMCG conglomerate in India, marked a significant milestone as it celebrates its 95th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the company held an event themed ‘Treads of Time’, which represents the journey from its humble origins in Chandni Chowk in 1929 to its present position as a multi-business conglomerate.
In the celebration held at its Noida office, the DS Group’s packaging unit dedicated a small zone called #recyclezone to recyclability. The products in the section were recycled from used products and residue generated during manufacturing. Collaborative products such as flower pots, stationery items, chairs and benches, paper toys, candles, etc., were displayed.
In an era where environmental sustainability has become a global priority, DS Group’s packaging is upping the game with projects that convert waste into valuable resources, making strides in eco-friendly practices and enhancing social impact through innovative collaborations and community empowerment.
Project Mogra Kala
In partnership with Uma Polymers, DS Group’s packaging unit unveiled Project Mogra Kala, which revolves around the concept of circular economy, where discarded manufacturing waste is given a new lease on life.
At the heart of project Mogra Kala is the transformation of laminate waste. This waste is carefully sorted and cleaned by Uma Polymers, and spun into yarn using traditional Charkha methods. The yarn is woven into fabric on handlooms, dyed, printed, or embroidered to create intricately designed ropes. These ropes are crafted into high-quality, sustainable products such as bags, doormats, and stationery items.
“This project not only emphasizes environmental stewardship but also empowers rural women. By providing vocational training, DS Group and Uma Polymers are enabling women to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs, thus promoting economic independence and preserving traditional handicrafts. The initiative fosters personal growth and creates a safe, inclusive workspace, allowing women to thrive and contribute positively to its communities,” said Sanjay Gupta, senior vice president of corporate procurement, PM, and packaging development, DS Group.
Project Craft Kala
The packaging unit of DS Group is also launching project Craft Kala, which showcases its dedication to both innovation and cost-efficiency. This project focuses on shredding discarded laminate waste to create compressed boards. These boards are transformed into practical products such as school benches, chairs, tables, and flower pots.
By repurposing laminate waste in this manner, Craft Kala addresses the issue of waste management and provides valuable products for educational and community use.
At the #recyclezone, the benches and chairs were made with recycled Pass Pass laminates and recycled Silver Pearls laminates.
“As DS Group approaches its centennial milestone, the company’s packaging division is set to evolve further. The focus will continue to be on sustainability, with an emphasis on developing innovative packaging materials derived from renewable resources. This includes exploring plant-based polymers and recycled content, as well as investing in advanced recycling technologies and closed-loop systems. DS Group places significant emphasis on incorporating digital technologies to enhance packaging functionality,” Gupta said.
Smart packaging solutions
Smart packaging solutions from DS Group that offer product traceability, anti-counterfeiting measures, and interactive elements are poised to add significant value for consumers and strengthen brand loyalty, he said.
“Strategic partnerships will play a crucial role in this evolution. Collaborations with material suppliers, converters, and recycling companies will help secure a reliable supply chain and access the latest technologies, fostering knowledge sharing and accelerating the development of sustainable solutions DS Group’s packaging initiatives reflect a deep-rooted commitment to environmental and social responsibility. By turning waste into valuable products, empowering communities, and investing in future-focused technologies, the group is setting a new standard in the packaging industry. As DS Group looks ahead, packaging remains dedicated to driving positive change and building a more sustainable future for all,” concluded Gupta.
