PET Recyclers Hail FSSAI’s rPET Guidelines as Circular Economy Catalyst

India’s PET recyclers have welcomed the FSSAI’s March 2025 amendment permitting recycled PET (rPET) in food packaging, calling it a “game-changer” for the circular economy. The guidelines mandate strict compliance with national standards and EFSA/USFDA-approved recycling processes, ensuring safety while reducing plastic waste.

 

Key impacts:

 

Approved recyclers: Companies like Reliance Industries, Uflex, and Ganesha Ecopet (using EFSA/USFDA-certified tech) gain clarity for scaling operations.

 

Input restrictions: Original food-packaging use post-consumer PET bottles are allowed, with risks of contamination avoided.

 

Economic boost: The move is compliant with India's plastic waste management laws, which stimulates investments into premium recycling units.

 

Industry groups predict 20–30% rPET growth in food-grade packaging by 2026, owing to sustainability needs.

 

Sources: SGS, FSSAI, Dairy Dimension