USFDA approves UFlex’s recycling process

UFlex became the first Indian company to receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for its recycling process. The approval allows UFlex to use recycled polyethylene (rPE) in food packaging, marking a major step in reducing plastic waste and supporting global brands in meeting their sustainability goals.

The company’s recycling process is categorised as super-clean recycling, with the ability to de-ink post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials by more than 95%, making it one of the most advanced processes worldwide. The certification adheres to international standards and contributes to the global shift toward a circular economy.

To strengthen its recycling infrastructure further, UFlex is investing INR 317-crore (USD 38-million) in advanced recycling technologies. This includes the establishment of two new recycling plants at its Noida facility in India, with a combined annual capacity to process 39,600-metric tonnes of plastic waste. These plants will boost the production of rPET and rPE materials for use in food packaging, aligning with India’s growing emphasis on sustainability and evolving legislative framework.

“Our enhanced recycling operations will empower brand owners to meet their EPR commitments and set a global benchmark for sustainable packaging,” said Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai, whole-time director, director for sustainability, president of flexible packaging and new product development at UFlex.

He added, “With the first-ever US FDA approval for an Indian company in food-contact recycling, we are proud of how far we have come. Additionally, we have applied for US FDA certification to recycle polypropylene (PP), which will position UFlex as the first company in the flexible packaging industry with the technology and capacity to recycle all three materials — PET, PE, and PP—for use in food packaging.”

At present, there are no specific guidelines for the use of recycled polyethene (rPE) content in food packaging. However, there is a mandatory requirement under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations to incorporate recycled content in packaging.

UFlex, in collaboration with industry players, is actively engaging with government bodies such as FSSAI and BIS to help develop the necessary guidelines for the safe and sustainable use of rPE content in food packaging in India. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the industry adheres to the highest standards in food packaging while contributing to a circular economy.