FSSAI Approves 17 PET Plants, Boosting India’s Circular Packaging Efforts
Synopsis
The FSSAI has authorized 17 recycled PET manufacturing plants, unlocking substantial capacity for India's packaging industry. This move supports the government's goal of integrating more recycled content into packaging, contributing to a sustainable circular economy.
Key Takeaways
FSSAI has authorized 17 recycled PET plants.
The initiative unlocks 3 lakh tonnes of food-grade r-PET capacity annually.
Supports India's goal of 40% recycled content by 2026-27.
Aligns with the circular economy vision advocated by Prime Minister Modi.
Investment in recycling facilities ranges between Rs 9,000–10,000 crore.
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) The Association of PET Recyclers (APR) Bharat has expressed its approval of the FSSAI's recent authorization of 17 recycled PET manufacturing plants, a move that is set to enhance India’s packaging supply chain.
This initiative is expected to release approximately 3 lakh tonnes of food-grade recycled PET (r-PET) capacity annually, aiding in fulfilling the government's target of 40% recycled content by 2026-27, as stated by APR Bharat.
The newly granted approvals create a consolidated capacity of 3 lakh metric tonnes per year of r-PET, specifically designated for food-contact packaging within India’s beverage and bottling sectors, the statement further elaborated.
APR Bharat noted that this development is timely, considering the challenges faced by virgin PET markets, exacerbated by the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and other geopolitical uncertainties.
This initiative resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to foster a circular economy, remarked Goutham Jain, Director General of APR Bharat.
The Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 mandated a transition to 30% recycled content in rigid plastic packaging starting in 2025-26, with planned increases of 10% each year until reaching 60% by 2028-29.
In alignment with this mandate, 15–18 food-grade r-PET recycling facilities have been established across the nation, with an estimated investment between Rs 9,000–10,000 crore.
These facilities employ cutting-edge technology and adhere to standards endorsed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In September 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) permitted the use of r-PET as a food contact material. In June 2025, the ministry also allowed brands and manufacturers to offset any shortfalls in achieving the 30% r-PET target for food contact applications over the next three years.
aar/na
Point of View
The approval of these 17 PET plants signifies a crucial step towards enhancing India's sustainability efforts in packaging. This initiative not only supports the country's recycling mandates but also addresses pressing global challenges in the PET market. The collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders underscores a commitment to a greener future.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of FSSAI's approval?
FSSAI's approval enhances India's packaging supply chain by allowing 17 PET plants to produce 3 lakh tonnes of food-grade recycled PET annually, helping meet government recycling targets.
What are the implications of the 40% recycled content mandate?
The 40% recycled content mandate aims to drive the use of sustainable materials in packaging, contributing to a circular economy and reducing plastic waste.
How does the approval impact the PET market?
The approval provides a boost to the r-PET market, alleviating pressures faced by virgin PET due to geopolitical uncertainties and enhancing supply for the beverage industry.
What technologies are being used in these recycling facilities?
The recycling facilities utilize state-of-the-art technology and comply with standards set by EFSA and FDA, ensuring safe food contact materials.
When will the recycled content mandate fully take effect?
The mandate for 60% recycled content will be phased in by 2028-29, with annual increments starting from 2025-26.
