Hilly Aqua, Kerala’s public-sector packaged drinking water, launches biodegradable bottles

To promote eco-friendly packaging, Hilly Aqua, the State’s public-sector drinking water brand has introduced biodegradable bottles. As part of a pilot project, the biodegradable option will initially be available in 300 ml bottles.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation (KIIDC) under the Department of Water Resources. Hilly Aqua general manager V. Saji said that the bottles are manufactured using Polylactic Acid (PLA) preforms derived from natural sources like corn and sugarcane.

Eco-friendly alternatives

“These bottles are lightweight, transparent, and designed to compost under specific industrial conditions, ensuring they do not contribute to long-term pollution,” Mr. Saji said. He noted that while the government has previously banned standard 300 ml plastic bottles, these eco-friendly alternatives are suitable for use. Commercial production is expected to begin soon.

With green protocols implemented at tourism destinations and pilgrimage centres like Sabarimala, officials believe these bottles will be widely accepted. While current regulations generally prohibit plastic water bottles smaller than half a litre, these new containers circumvent that restriction by using biodegradable materials.

Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine officially launched the biodegradable bottles in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

“Currently, Hilly Aqua products are manufactured at plants in Thodupuzha and Aruvikkara, with plans to operationalise new facilities in Kattappana and Aluva within the coming month,” said Mr. Augustine. He added that a fifth plant is under development at Chakkittapara in Peruvannamuzhi in Kozhikkode district.

“The government has established a distribution network through ration shops, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), and the Railways. Notably, Kerala has become the first State in India to export government-produced bottled water to international markets. The raw materials for the biodegradable venture are supplied by Eight Specialist Services, a Kochi-based start-up,” said Mr. Augustine.

According to officials, Hilly Aqua is emerging as one of the major drinking water brands in the State. The Muttom outlet in Thodupuzha reports average monthly sales of ₹5 lakh. The water is available in sizes ranging from 300 ml to 20-litre cans . While the standard price for a 1-litre bottle is ₹15, it is provided at a subsidised rate of ₹10 at KSRTC and Railway stations.