Ahmedabad, Aug 26 – Vadilal Industries Ltd., the ice-cream and processed foods major, has reported a sharp increase in plastic waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions in FY 2024-25, even as it seeks to position itself as a more sustainable brand.
According to its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) filed with the NSE and BSE, the company generated 88.9 metric tonnes of plastic waste, more than double the 37.3 MT reported in FY24. Non-hazardous waste also spiked sevenfold to 384.5 MT. While Vadilal has pledged to adopt mono-layer laminates and comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, it acknowledged that the transition could increase costs.
On the environmental front, the company’s energy consumption jumped 21% to 30.5 million GJ, pushing Scope 1 emissions up to 14,346 tCO₂e from 13,384 a year earlier. Notably, the company reported no Scope 2 emissions, and its Scope 3 disclosures mirrored Scope 1 figures, raising questions about the robustness of reporting.
Social indicators present a mixed picture. Women represent only 5% of Vadilal’s permanent workforce, though they account for nearly 29% of the board. Employee well-being spending rose slightly to 0.29% of revenue, and no workplace injuries or fatalities were reported. However, a large share of permanent workers continue to earn only the statutory minimum wage.
Despite qualifying for mandatory CSR spending, Vadilal disclosed only broad thematic areas—health, education, women empowerment, and agriculture—without detailing specific projects or impact.
The company identified plastic packaging, responsible supply chains, and human rights as material risks. While stressing its commitment to circular economy principles, Vadilal admitted that sustainable packaging remains a financial challenge.
The report comes as food manufacturers face rising pressure from regulators and consumers to cut plastic dependence and disclose credible climate action. For Vadilal, balancing sustainability commitments with growth ambitions may prove its toughest test yet.
