India’s transition towards a circular packaging economy has received a significant boost with Chemco Group securing authorisation from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) resin for food-contact applications. The approval positions Chemco among a select group of companies in India permitted to produce and supply food-grade recycled PET material for direct use in food and beverage packaging. Furthermore, the authorisation reinforces the country’s efforts to promote sustainable packaging, increase recycling rates, and reduce plastic waste.
FSSAI Approval Enables Food-Contact Applications
Chemco Group received the approval under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, allowing its recycled PET resin to be used in food-contact packaging applications. The certification represents a major milestone for both the company and India’s recycling industry, as demand for safe, compliant, and sustainable packaging materials continues to grow across the food and beverage sector. With this approval, Chemco can now support brand owners seeking to meet regulatory requirements while advancing their sustainability and recycled-content commitments.
Advanced Bottle-to-Bottle Recycling Facility in Gujarat
The authorisation follows the commissioning of Chemco’s state-of-the-art bottle-to-bottle recycling facility at Sanand, Gujarat. Developed with an investment of approximately ₹125 crore, the facility has the capacity to recycle more than one billion post-consumer PET bottles annually and convert them into high-quality food-grade rPET resin. The plant utilizes advanced Starlinger recycling technology specifically designed for food-contact packaging applications. As a result, the facility delivers recycled material that meets stringent quality, safety, and traceability requirements.
Meeting Global and Domestic Quality Standards
Chemco’s recycling operation complies with multiple national and international standards, ensuring the highest levels of product safety and quality. The facility meets Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements, FSSC 22000 food safety management standards, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized processes and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognized recycling frameworks. By adhering to globally accepted standards, Chemco is well-positioned to serve both domestic and international customers seeking reliable sources of food-grade recycled packaging materials.
Supporting India’s Recycled Content Mandates
The approval comes at a crucial time as India strengthens its regulatory framework for plastic recycling and circular economy practices. Under the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, producers and brand owners are required to incorporate increasing levels of recycled content in PET packaging. The mandated recycled content requirement will rise to 40% by FY 2026–27 and further increase to 60% by FY 2028–29. Consequently, demand for certified food-grade rPET is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, creating opportunities for advanced recycling infrastructure and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Industry Perspective on the Achievement
Vaibhav Saraogi, Director of Chemco Group, said, “Receiving FSSAI authorisation for food-grade rPET is an important milestone not only for Chemco, but also for the broader development of circular packaging infrastructure in India. As demand for compliant recycled content continues to increase, particularly in food and beverage packaging, it becomes essential to build credible domestic manufacturing capabilities supported by regulatory discipline, traceability, and consistent quality standards.” He further emphasized that the company’s investment in bottle-to-bottle recycling reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability, supply-chain reliability, and supporting brand owners with safe, high-quality recycled materials that meet rigorous compliance standards.
Driving Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency
Beyond regulatory compliance, the Sanand facility contributes to several broader sustainability objectives. The project supports the development of India’s circular economy by diverting plastic waste from landfills, increasing recycling rates, reducing dependence on virgin plastic resin, and improving resource efficiency. In addition, the facility is expected to generate employment opportunities, strengthen Gujarat’s manufacturing ecosystem, and contribute to the country’s waste management and environmental sustainability goals.
Strengthening India’s Sustainable Packaging Future
As consumer brands, regulators, and packaging manufacturers increasingly prioritize recycled content and circularity, Chemco Group’s FSSAI approval marks an important step forward for India’s sustainable packaging sector. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, by combining advanced recycling technology, regulatory compliance, and large-scale production capabilities, Chemco is helping create a more resilient and circular packaging value chain while supporting the nation’s long-term sustainability and resource conservation objectives.
