FSSAI greenlights recycled PET for safe food packaging

INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially amended its regulations to allow recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in food packaging.

This marks a major step toward aligning food safety regulations with the country’s sustainability goals and global environmental commitments.

The change comes under the newly introduced Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) First Amendment Regulations, 2025, which lifts the previous ban on using recycled plastics for direct food contact applications.

With this regulatory shift, manufacturers can now use recycled PET for packaging, storing, carrying, and dispensing food products, provided the material complies with stringent national safety norms.

FSSAI has clarified that the approval for recycled PET will be contingent upon establishing specific safety guidelines.

 These upcoming protocols will outline the required standards for processing, quality control, and traceability, ensuring that recycled materials do not compromise public health.

 The authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring that any recycled PET used in food packaging will undergo rigorous testing and certification to meet hygiene and safety benchmarks.

This policy revision is expected to significantly boost India’s circular economy by reducing dependency on virgin plastic and promoting the reuse of post-consumer PET waste.

PET, commonly used in bottles and food containers, is among the most widely recycled plastics globally.

Its inclusion in safe food packaging opens up substantial opportunities for recyclers and packaging manufacturers, particularly as India grapples with mounting plastic waste challenges.

In the coming months, FSSAI will issue comprehensive guidelines governing the collection, processing, and usage of recycled PET for food-grade applications.

These standards will likely cover contamination control, decontamination efficiency, and source traceability, ensuring transparency and consumer safety throughout the supply chain.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the move as both progressive and pragmatic. It not only brings India in line with international practices, where countries such as the U.S. and EU have long approved recycled PET in food packaging, but also reinforces India’s commitment to sustainable development.

Overall, the regulation is win-win for both the environment and industry, signaling a new era in which food safety and sustainability are paramount.

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