The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released updated guidance that allows for the use of post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food contact materials, as long as the recycling process is approved, contamination is reduced to safe levels, and there is clear labelling on the resulting packaging. [1]
This change demonstrates regulatory support for India’s sustainability goals and strengthens globally facilitated circular economy objectives for the packaging sector. It also achieves the dual goals of protecting human health and the environment while opening the door for new ideas for food products, along with food R&D product formulation services that centre on sustainably integrating packaging to meet consumer demand.
Testing Standards:
IS:12252, IS:9845, IS:9833 no contamination more than 220 µg/kg in resin, and ≤ 10 µg/kg food simulants.
Labelling requirements:
FCM-rPET logo, percentage recycled content provided, and “made with recycled PET” statement.
Document & Audits:
Form I submission, audits for compliance of the report annually, and traceability files. Sustainability target: 30% rPET in PET packaging in FY 2025-26. [2]
Scope of the regulation: [1]
Aspect | Details |
Applicable To | Food Business Operators (FBOs) using PET in primary food packaging |
Material Covered | Post-consumer PET processed via approved decontamination |
End-Use Applications | Bottles, trays, films, containers in direct food contact |
Exclusions | Non-food applications, mechanically recycled PET |
Testing by NABL/ILAC accredited labs is required. This process involves food product formulation specialists to ensure packaging safety compliance.
For Manufacturers:
Partnering with food R&D product formulation services can help integrate rPET smoothly into product pipelines.
For Retailers & Brands:
Additionally, there is an opportunity to appeal to urban ecologically conscious consumers willing to pay extra for sustainable packaging.
For Consumers:
For Exporters:
Providing compliance that will allow entry into similar standards and compliance standard EU & US markets.
Product Image:
Brand Name: Coca-Cola
In India, it is estimated that around 9.4 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually, with PET accounting for a lot of the recyclable plastic.
By officially permitting rPET in food contact materials the FSSAI:
International Comparison [3]
Parameter | India (FSSAI) | EU (EFSA) | US (FDA) |
Approval Authority | FSSAI | EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) | US FDA |
Approved Technologies | Super-Clean, Melt-In, Paste-In, Chemical Recycling | Super-Clean & EFSA-approved processes | FDA-cleared recycling processes |
Contamination Limit | ≤ 220 µg/kg resin | ≤ 0.1 µg/kg food simulant | ≤ 0.5 µg/kg food simulant |
Migration Testing | Mandatory as per IS:9845 | Mandatory as per EU Reg. 10/2011 | Mandatory under Title 21 CFR |
Documentation | Form I + annual audits | Application dossier to EFSA | Letter of No Objection (LNO) |
Labeling | FCM-rPET logo + % recycled content | % rPET declaration not mandatory | No federal logo requirement |
Sustainability Target | 30% rPET in PET packaging by 2025–26 | 25% by 2025, 30% by 2030 | No national target, varies by state |
Collaborate with food R&D product formulation services to safely integrate rPET packaging. [4]
Summary table:
Parameter | Requirement |
Approved Recycling | Super-Clean, Melt-In, Paste-In, Chemical |
Safety Limits | Resin ≤ 220 µg/kg; Food simulant ≤ 10 µg/kg |
Mandatory Labeling | FCM-rPET logo + % recycled content |
Compliance Process | Form I submission + annual audits |
Sustainability Target | 30% rPET in PET packaging by FY 2025–26 |
The launch of these rPET guidelines is an enormous advancement in regulations and sustainability for India. By incorporating technical safety measurements alongside sustainability targets, FSSAI enables recycled PET to enter the food chain in a way that is both safe and transparent.
This harmonizes India’s packaging regulations with global practices and encourages innovation within food product development and nutritional product development sectors. Manufacturers and food product formulation specialists have a new opportunity to develop sustainable packaging solutions that align with consumer and environmental priorities.
Ensure your rPET packaging meets FSSAI’s safety and labelling rules. Partner with Food Research Lab for regulatory compliance, safe packaging integration, and food R&D product formulation services.
Food Research Lab strives for excellence in new Food, Beverage and Nutraceutical Product Research and Development by offering cutting edge scientific analysis and expertise.