Archive · 2 Jun 2025
India's Food Safety Body Issues r-PET Guidelines
India's food safety regulator, FSSAI, has set new rules for using recycled plastic (r-PET) in food packaging.
These rules make sure the recycled plastic is safe and comes from special cleaning processes.
Companies must now show a logo and the percentage of recycled plastic on their packaging.
This helps the environment by encouraging less waste.
The government wants companies to use more recycled plastic.
Some businesses worry that getting enough of the right kind of recycled plastic might be hard.
Overall, these rules aim to protect consumers and help India use plastic more responsibly.
FSSAI introduced guidelines for food-grade recycled PET (r-PET) use in packaging.
Only r-PET produced through approved decontamination processes is allowed.
A distinct logo and r-PET percentage must be on packaging labels.
The guidelines align with government mandates for recycled plastic use.
Industry sources express concern over r-PET supply challenges.
- Who
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- What
- Announced new guidelines for food-grade recycled PET (r-PET) in food and beverage packaging.
- When
- Guidelines were notified last week.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To ensure safety, promote sustainability, and meet environmental regulations.
Sustainability Advocates
Industry Concerns
r-PET Supply
Sustainability Advocates
The new guidelines promote a shift towards a circular economy and reduce plastic waste.
Industry Concerns
Limited supply of approved r-PET may impact production timelines and costs.
- Regulating Body
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Subject
- New guidelines for food-grade recycled PET (r-PET)
- Key Requirement
- Mandatory logo and r-PET percentage on packaging
- Mandate Compliance Date
- Fiscal year 2026
- r-PET Usage Target
- At least 30% recycled plastic in packaging by 2026
- Approved Recycling Technologies
- Super-clean recycling and melt-in recycling