FSSAI authorises 17 organisations to manufacture food-grade rPET
The authorised organisations, all of which specialise in recycling PET, have been approved based on a thorough assessment of their processes.
18 Sep 2025 | By Prabhat Prakash
The FSSAI has granted authorisation to 17 organisations to manufacture food-grade rPET resin, a move that marks a significant step toward a circular economy for plastics in the country. This decision, announced on the updated list as of 10 September, is relevant to the printing and packaging industry as it formalises the use of recycled materials under the Food Safety & Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
Several companies, including Ganesha Ecopet and Srichakra Polyplast India, received approval for multiple production lines. Notably, the FSSAI's authorisation for these companies’ processes often references assessments by international bodies. For instance, Srichakra Polyplast and Ganesha Ecopet had their technologies assessed and evaluated for safety by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Similarly, Reliance Industries recycled PET is approved for food contact under specific manufacturing conditions.
The authorisation process also highlights the use of advanced recycling technologies, often referred to as 'super-clean' processes. UFlex, Ester Industries, and JB Ecotex all use such processes, which have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). The EREMA PET recycling process, for example, is used by both JB Ecotex and Dalmia Polypro Industries.
Other approved technologies include Starlinger's secondary recycling process, which is used by Ester Industries, and the recoSTAR PET iV+ technology, which was assessed by the USFDA for multiple lines at Ganesha Ecopet and Srichakra Polyplast. The NGR liquid state polycondensation (LSP) recycling process, used by Rungta Eco Extrusions, also received USFDA and EFSA approval, underscoring the rigorous safety standards required for this new class of materials.
The FSSAI's decision signals a new chapter for sustainable packaging in India, where innovation in material science and responsible manufacturing are paramount. The conditional authorisation has been granted for 90 days.