FSSAI issues guidelines for the use of recycled PET as a food contact material

In a landmark move to promote sustainability in food packaging, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has officially issued comprehensive guidelines for the acceptance of recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) as Food Contact Material (FCM).

These guidelines, notified under the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, specify the criteria, processes, and quality standards for recycling post-consumer food-grade PET into materials that can be safely used in direct contact with food.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines:

• Scope:
  The guidelines apply exclusively to FSSAI-approved recycling technologies used to convert post-consumer food-grade PET into FCM-rPET resins for packaging. Non-food-grade applications are not covered.

• Approved Recycling Processes:
  Four decontamination-based recycling processes have been approved:

  • Super-Clean Process

  • Melt-in Process

  • Paste-in Process

  • Chemical Recycling Process

• Mandatory Testing and Compliance:

  • Each recycling process must pass challenge tests, extraction tests, and migration tests to ensure the removal of contaminants.

  • Testing must be conducted by NABL/ILAC-accredited laboratories.

  • Output materials must comply with IS: 12252 and ISO 13302 standards.

• Marking & Labelling Requirements:
  All packaging made with rPET must be clearly labeled with the FCM-rPET symbol, indicating recycled content and compliance with food safety standards.

• Authorization & Documentation:

  • All FCM-rPET manufacturers must obtain prior authorization from FSSAI using Form-I and will be subject to annual audits.

  • FBOs, converters, and packagers must maintain traceability, declarations of compliance, and quality assurance data, which must be made available upon request.

Driving circular economy and sustainability

This initiative reflects FSSAI’s commitment to supporting India’s circular economy goals by enabling the safe use of recycled plastic in food applications. By ensuring scientifically validated decontamination and strict compliance protocols, the guidelines strike a balance between environmental responsibility and public health safety.

Stakeholders across the packaging, recycling, beverage, and food processing sectors are encouraged to align with the new framework and contribute to a more sustainable and regulated food packaging ecosystem.