Recycled Plastic in Food Packaging - What you need to know?

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has made a significant amendment to the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2021, allowing the use of recycled plastics in food packaging materials. This pivotal decision, implemented in 2022, marks a major shift in our approach to plastic waste and food safety.

Paving the Way for a Circular Economy

In a departure from the earlier PWM Rules of 2016, which strictly prohibited recycled plastics for food contact applications, the FSSAI has acknowledged the need to adapt to the evolving landscape of plastic waste management. This change is a step forward in reducing the environmental burden of plastic waste while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.

FSSAI's Comprehensive Guidelines

To ensure the safe use of recycled plastics in food packaging, the FSSAI has established stringent guidelines:

• Approved Sources: Only post-consumer PET bottles are approved for recycling into food-grade packaging materials.
• Adherence to Standards: The recycled plastics must meet rigorous Indian Standards, or relevant international standards if Indian Standards are unavailable.
• Rigorous Safety Assessment: A thorough safety assessment by a recognized laboratory is mandatory. This includes chemical composition analysis, migration testing, and risk assessment to ensure consumer safety.
• Clear Labeling: Food packaging made from recycled plastics must be clearly labeled, indicating the recycled content to inform consumers.

Benefits of Recycled Plastic Packaging

Embracing recycled plastic packaging offers numerous benefits:

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Diverts plastic waste from landfills, promoting a circular economy, and reduces the demand for virgin plastics.
• Resource Conservation: Saves natural resources and energy required for producing new plastics.
• Economic Benefits: Offers potential cost savings for food businesses due to the lower cost of recycled plastics compared to virgin materials.

Recykal: Your Partner in Sustainability

At Recykal, we are committed to supporting this transition. As India's leading waste management and recycling platform, we leverage our extensive network of recyclers and advanced recycling technologies to ensure the efficient and safe processing of post-consumer PET bottles into high-quality, food-grade recycled plastics.

Conclusion

As we embrace these progressive changes in food packaging regulations, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example and champion sustainability. By adopting recycled plastic packaging, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also drive innovation and efficiency in our industries. Recykal is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your transition to recycled materials is both seamless and compliant with the latest standards.