In a landmark move toward sustainable packaging and circular economy practices, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially approved the use of Recycled Polyethene Terephthalate (rPET) as a food contact material (FCM). Read Full Notification here FSSAI rPET
The announcement, made on May 23, 2025, outlines strict guidelines for the acceptance of post-consumer food-grade PET in packaging, a decision welcomed by stakeholders in the dairy, beverage, and FMCG sectors who seek eco-friendly alternatives.
Under the new rules, only approved recycling technologies that ensure rigorous decontamination and food safety compliance are permitted. These include:
✅ Accepted rPET Recycling Technologies:
- Super-Clean Process
- Melt-In Process
- Paste-In Process
- Chemical Recycling
Mechanical recycling without an advanced decontamination step is strictly prohibited.
FSSAI’s framework demands that all rPET materials used in food packaging meet stringent conditions for:
- Microbial and chemical safety (via Challenge Testing)
- Traceability and labelling throughout the supply chain
- End-to-end monitoring of sourcing and post-consumer recycling streams
This move is expected to have a significant impact on India’s dairy industry, where packaging plays a critical role in extending shelf life and ensuring safety for milk, dahi, lassi, buttermilk, and flavoured drinks.
"The approval of rPET will accelerate the shift toward sustainable dairy packaging in India. It allows us to rethink waste as a resource, while keeping food safety uncompromised,” said a senior official at a leading dairy cooperative.
India’s dairy majors, including Amul, Mother Dairy, and heritage brands, are likely to explore rPET for select value-added products, aligning with growing consumer preference for green packaging solutions.