In a major step toward sustainable packaging, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released detailed guidelines for the use of food-grade recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) as a food contact material. These new regulations provide clear criteria for recycling processes and labeling requirements and introduce a dedicated logo to indicate the use of recycled PET in packaging.
New Logo for Easy Consumer Identification
To promote transparency and consumer awareness, FSSAI has introduced a distinctive logo for packaging made with recycled PET. Manufacturers must display this logo on product labels along with a declaration specifying the percentage of recycled content used. The food safety authority said the logo helps consumers easily identify safe and sustainable packaging options.
Compliance with National Plastic Waste Regulations
The guidelines support the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s regulations, which mandate recycling at least 30% of plastic used in category-1 packaging (rigid plastics, including PET bottles) by FY26. These rules came into force on April 1, marking a significant move toward circular economy goals in the consumer goods sector.
Defining Food-Grade Recycled PET
FSSAI defines Food Contact Material-recycled PET (FCM-rPET) as post-consumer food-grade PET resin that has undergone a validated decontamination process. This process must meet stringent national and international safety standards to ensure the material is pure and safe for direct food contact.
Approved Recycling Technologies Only
Under the new guidelines, FSSAI will permit only approved recycling technologies. The authority has outlined acceptable methods, including super-clean recycling and melt-in recycling. It has disallowed traditional or conventional recycling processes, citing their inability to effectively decontaminate PET materials. “Such processes do not include a decontamination step and therefore should not be used to manufacture food contact materials,” FSSAI stated.
Marking and Labelling Requirements
Manufacturers must clearly display the official logo and the declaration—“…the packaging material is made with recycled PET”—on all food contact materials made with FCM-rPET, as required by the guidelines. This move promotes safe, traceable, and sustainable packaging practices in the food and beverage sector.
Documentation and Testing Standards
In addition to recycling process criteria, the guidelines lay down specific testing and documentation requirements. All stakeholders—including food business operators and r-PET manufacturers—must adhere to these protocols to ensure compliance and safety of food packaging.
Industry Awaits Approvals Amid Supply Concerns
The release of these guidelines follows a national consultation with key stakeholders held last month. While the finalization of norms is a welcome step, many r-PET manufacturers are still awaiting FSSAI approval for their facilities. Meanwhile, beverage companies have expressed concern over the limited availability of certified r-PET. It could impact their ability to meet upcoming regulatory targets.
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the guidelines represent a significant shift toward circular packaging in India’s food and beverage industry. It underlines the growing regulatory push for sustainable, safe, and consumer-friendly materials.
