In a landmark move for India’s packaging and recycling industry, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) recently approved the use of food-grade recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) for food and beverage contact applications. The decision marks a significant step forward in the country’s journey towards a circular economy and sustainable resource management.

Until now, the use of recycled plastics in direct contact with food was restricted in India, despite growing global acceptance of rPET in markets such as Europe and the United States. The FSSAI’s newly released "Guidelines for Recycling of Post-Consumer PET for Food Contact Applications" outline strict standards for the production and validation of food-grade rPET, ensuring it meets safety benchmarks comparable to virgin PET.

According to the guidelines, only post-consumer PET bottles that were originally used for food packaging are permitted as input materials. The recycling processes must be advanced enough to effectively decontaminate PET to a level suitable for food use. Methods such as Super-Clean Recycling, Melt-in Recycling, Paste-in Recycling, and Enhanced Chemical Recycling have been recognised as capable of producing food-grade rPET. Each process must undergo rigorous validation through challenge tests, extraction tests, and migration tests to ensure that any potential contaminants are reduced to safe levels.

The safety standards mirror international benchmarks. Under the guidelines, decontamination must achieve a reduction of surrogate contaminants to below 220 micrograms per kilogram in the resin, based on US FDA standards, or below 10 micrograms per kilogram in beverages or food simulants, as per European Union requirements. Recycling operators are also mandated to maintain strict Good Manufacturing Practices, complete traceability of materials, and continuous monitoring of product quality.

The move is expected to have wide-reaching implications for India's packaging industry. It allows beverage companies, food brands, and packaging manufacturers to incorporate recycled content into their products without compromising safety. By encouraging the adoption of food-grade rPET, India is poised to significantly cut down on virgin plastic consumption, reduce plastic waste pollution, and boost recycling infrastructure.

Industry experts have welcomed the decision, noting that it will drive innovation, stimulate investment in recycling technologies, and create new market opportunities. However, they also caution that maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety will be essential to build consumer trust in recycled materials. Compiled from reports