At Ahara Rasa, our ghee production line is 100% plastic-free. We also limit the amount of plastic used to ship our products. Maintaining a minimal carbon footprint is just one of our company values, along with our commitment to caring for our community, our customers, and our planet.
There are myriad reasons to use less plastic, not only for the health of our environment, but also for the health of our body. Here’s a deeper dive into the ethos behind our plastic-free production process.
Plastic’s Environmental Impact
Plastic results in pollution at every stage of the production process. Plastics are made from crude oil, and from extraction to shipping to refineries, just the beginning of this process requires a considerable amount of energy. The chemical transformation is also energy-intensive. Once transformed into plastic, many items are designed for single-use and are difficult to recycle.
Every year, Americans produce around 265.3 million metric tons of trash, and nearly a third of that trash consists of packaging. Less than 50% of plastic packaging circulating in the United States is recyclable, and the vast majority of plastics are not reused once their initial purpose has been fulfilled.
Instead, most plastics end up in landfills or in the ocean. These products never truly decompose. Over time, these plastics break down and reduce in size, becoming microplastics. While small, (less than five millimeters in length) these shards of plastic can infiltrate ecosystems and seep into water sources, harming humans and animals alike.
Consumer Demand
Consumers increasingly understand how harmful plastic production can be, as well as the dangers of plastics as food containers. In 2025, a considerable 47% of consumers reported favoring a variety of products packaged in sustainable containers.
In the food and beverage industry, demand for eco-friendly packaging options continues to grow. The plastic free packaging market was valued at around $6,734 million USD in 2025, and is predicted to increase to $17,913 million USD by the year 2032. That’s an annual growth rate of 15%!
Plastic-free packaging plays a vital role in supporting overall sustainability efforts. Consumer demand is driving innovation, paving the way for a plastic-free future. Consumers can now buy many products packaged in biodegradable or compostable materials. Some brands are even packaging their goods in eco-friendly materials made from mushrooms.
Risks of Plastic Packaging
Common chemicals found in plastics include BPA and phthalates, two known endocrine disrupters. These chemicals disrupt the body’s hormone and metabolic processes, and have even been linked to several different kinds of cancers.
PFAS are chemicals used to make plastic packaging stain and grease resistant, but have side effects when used to package food and beverages. Similarly to BPA and phthalates, these chemicals can negatively impact natural hormone production, causing health problems down the line.
A 2023 study found plastic packaging containing PFAS can leech into foods after just one week. Our ghee has a shelf life of two years, and we want our customers to enjoy the rich, nutty taste of Ahara Rasa without having to worry about possible side effects from plastic packaging.
Our Process is Different
When you buy Ahara Rasa ghee, whether you found us at a farmer’s market, a small retailer, or through our website, it is mostly solid at room temperature, but it wasn’t packaged that way. We make our ghee in small batches over an open flame, clarifying high-quality butter by thoroughly heating it to a boil then simmering until all the water has boiled out. We then jar the freshly-prepared ghee while it is still in its liquid form and hot.
In simple terms, heat and plastic don’t mix. When plastic is exposed to heat, it can trigger the release of harmful microplastics and chemicals. Avoiding plastic in ghee production is especially important because oily food products act as solvents, accelerating the chemical leaching process.
Why Glass?
Glass is the clear best choice for ghee packaging. Food-safe glass is made from naturally-occurring minerals. It is non-toxic, does not interact with hot or oily foods, and preserves pure flavors of the food it contains.
It is an infinitely-recyclable material, and in addition to traditional recycling, empty glass jars have nearly infinite uses. Use them for making candles, storing craft supplies, as a drinking glass, or for collecting change.
Our ghee is crafted with care and intention at every step in the process. Why should our packaging be any different? Choosing glass is just one of the ways we ensure we are delivering a product created with integrity.
Choose Premium Ghee in Premium Packaging
Ghee is a healthier alternative to many cooking oils. At Ahara Rasa, we wouldn’t negate that by allowing microplastics and other harmful chemicals to leach into our ghee. We’re happy to continue producing ghee in a way that lines up with our ethos, supports the long-term health of the planet, and meets the needs of our customers.
Our process is always plastic-free from crafting to canning, ensuring your ghee is as pure, delicious, and healthy as possible. What will you make with Ahara Rasa ghee?
