Recycled food-grade PET manufacturers ready to meet FSSAI guidelines – APR Bharat

INDIA – The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently released guidelines permitting the use of recycled PET (r-PET) in food-contact packaging, a major development expected to significantly boost India’s circular economy.

The move is closely aligned with the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016 (as amended), which mandate the use of 30% recycled content in rigid plastic packaging starting from April 1, 2025.

Welcoming the move, Shailendra Singh, Director General of the Association of PET Recyclers (Bharat) – APR Bharat, described the guideline as a “significant and transformative step” that will fast-track the widespread adoption of r-PET in food packaging.

“It is expected to create a huge boost for the circular economy, encouraging both brand owners and manufacturers to prioritize sustainable materials in their supply chains,” Singh said.

The PET recycling industry in India has already made significant preparations to meet the upcoming demand.

According to Singh, a combined investment of approximately Rs 7,500–8,000 crores (US$900–960 million) has been funneled into setting up world-class recycling plants across the country.

These facilities are equipped to produce food-grade r-PET that meets the highest safety and quality standards.

Beyond environmental benefits, this growing infrastructure is projected to generate 10,000 direct new jobs and positively impact the livelihoods of over 2 million rag pickers involved in collecting post-consumer PET bottles for recycling.

The sector has already commissioned a recycling capacity close to 4 lakh metric tonnes (MT). Ambitious plans are in place to expand this to 7.5 lakh MT by 2027 and further to 11 lakh MT by 2030.

These facilities are strategically being developed nationwide to ensure easy access to recycled material for packaging manufacturers and brand owners.

Singh emphasized that the industry is well-positioned to meet the current regulatory requirement of 30% recycled content in rigid packaging.

With the FSSAI guidelines now in effect, a significant portion of the newly created capacity will soon be available to food and beverage companies aiming to incorporate r-PET into their packaging.

“This guideline gives the industry clear regulatory backing, and with adequate production capacities coming online, producers and brands will be able to meet their sustainability targets seamlessly,” Singh added.

The move marks a crucial step in India’s journey toward responsible packaging, offering both environmental and economic benefits as the country continues to promote a stronger circular economy framework.

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