By Krishna Maniyar, CEO, Micron Aerosols
Holi is one of the most visually striking festivals in the world—a riot of colours, music, and pure, unfiltered joy. But let’s take a step back. While we embrace this explosion of hues, have we ever questioned what is really in these colours? As someone who has spent years working at the intersection of design, sustainability, and innovation, I believe Holi should be celebrated without compromising our health or our environment.
What is hiding in Your Holi Colours?
In design and manufacturing, we often talk about materials, their lifecycle, and their impact. Unfortunately, cheap Holi colours are a classic case of design without responsibility. Many of the mass-produced powders are loaded with industrial dyes, lead, mercury, and even micro plastics. These are not just minor irritants; they can lead to long-term health concerns, including respiratory issues, skin damage, and even neurological disorders.
What is worse? The people who manufacture these colours—often in unregulated setups—are exposed to these chemicals daily, putting their health at serious risk.
The Environmental Cost of Playing with Cheap Colours
As someone who has worked extensively in supply chain transformation and sustainability, I have seen how material choices impact ecosystems. Holi is no exception. Here is what happens when these synthetic colours enter our surroundings:
- Water Pollution – The chemical residues do not dissolve; they travel through water systems, contaminating rivers and harming aquatic life.
- Soil Degradation – Synthetic dyes and non-biodegradable elements alter soil composition, affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity.
- Plastic Waste – Most colours are packed in single-use plastics that end up in landfills or, worse, our oceans.
Now imagine this impact scaled across millions of Holi celebrations across India. We are not just throwing colour—we are throwing toxins into our environment.
Reimagining Holi: A Sustainable, Safe Celebration
Having worked on disruptive, sustainable solutions—from creating India’s first digital natural fibre supply chain to pioneering alternative protein sources—I strongly believe that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.
So, what does a better Holi colour look like?
✔️ Made with Organic Ingredients – Plant-based colours that are safe for humans and nature.
✔️ Toxin-Free – No lead, no heavy metals, no synthetic chemicals.
✔️ Easy to Wash Off – Because Holi should be about fun, not scrubbing for days.
✔️ Touch-Free Play – Modern, aerosol-based colour sprays allow safe celebrations from a distance.
✔️ Unique, Vibrant Shades – Expanding beyond the typical colours with pastels and new-age hues like lilac.
✔️ Ready-to-Use – No messy mixing, just pure celebration.
✔️ Eco-Friendly Packaging – Recyclable and biodegradable materials to minimize waste.
✔️ Safe for All Ages – Colours should be enjoyed by everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.
A Leader’s Take: The Future of Holi & Sustainability
Sustainability is not just about banning things—it’s about designing better alternatives. Whether it’s building supply chains that support local artisans, creating new materials that minimize waste, or rethinking the way we celebrate festivals, the goal should always be the same: progress without compromise.
As consumers, we have the power to demand safer, eco-friendly products. As manufacturers, we have the responsibility to create them. Holi is a festival of joy, but let us make sure that joy is not short-lived—for our health, our environment, and the generations to come.
So this year, let us choose colours that do not just look good but do good. Because the most beautiful Holi is one where everyone—people, animals, and nature—comes out celebrating.
Wishing you a vibrant, safe, and conscious Holi!
