Chemco Secures FSSAI Approval for Food-Grade rPET Production in India Amid Rising Recycled Content Requirements

Food-Grade rPET India

Chemco Secures FSSAI Approval for Food-Grade rPET Production, Boosting India’s Circular Packaging Ambitions

India’s sustainable packaging industry has reached another important milestone. Chemco Group has received authorization from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture food-grade recycled PET (rPET) resin for direct food-contact applications, strengthening the country’s efforts to build a more circular and compliant packaging ecosystem.

The approval places Chemco among a limited number of manufacturers in India permitted to produce food-grade rPET suitable for packaging used in food and beverage applications. As regulatory requirements for recycled content continue to increase, the development is expected to play a significant role in supporting both environmental goals and industry compliance requirements.

Growing Demand for Food-Grade Recycled Plastics

The authorization comes at a critical time for India’s packaging sector. Under the country’s Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules, mandatory recycled-content targets for rigid plastic packaging are becoming progressively stricter.

For PET bottles and containers, minimum recycled-content requirements are set to rise to 40% in FY 2026-27, 50% in FY 2027-28, and 60% from FY 2028-29 onward.

These regulations are creating strong demand for high-quality food-grade recycled materials that can safely be used in packaging while meeting regulatory standards. As a result, manufacturers, beverage companies, and FMCG brands are increasingly looking for reliable domestic suppliers capable of providing certified recycled content at scale.

Sanand Facility Positioned to Support Industry Growth

The FSSAI approval follows the commissioning of Chemco’s large-scale bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in Sanand, Gujarat.

Built with an investment of approximately ₹125 crore, the facility has the capacity to recycle more than one billion post-consumer PET bottles annually. The recovered material is converted into food-grade recycled PET resin designed for use in beverage, food, and consumer packaging applications.

By transforming used PET bottles into new packaging materials, the facility supports a closed-loop recycling model that helps reduce plastic waste while decreasing dependence on virgin plastic production.

Why FSSAI Authorization Matters

Food-contact recycled plastics are subject to significantly higher regulatory standards than conventional recycled materials.

To obtain approval, manufacturers must demonstrate robust quality-control systems, traceability measures, contamination management processes, and compliance with food safety regulations. These requirements are designed to ensure that recycled materials remain safe for direct contact with food and beverages.

Chemco’s authorization confirms that its recycling processes meet the stringent standards established under India’s Food Safety & Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, providing greater confidence to brand owners seeking compliant recycled packaging solutions.

Advanced Recycling Technology and Global Standards

The Sanand facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art bottle-to-bottle recycling system developed for food-contact applications.

According to the company, the operation is supported by internationally recognized recycling technologies and quality management systems, including food safety certifications and advanced traceability frameworks.

Such investments are becoming increasingly important as global consumer brands expand sustainability commitments and seek packaging materials that meet both environmental and regulatory expectations.

Supporting Brands in Meeting Sustainability Goals

Major food, beverage, and FMCG companies are under growing pressure from regulators, investors, and consumers to increase the use of recycled content in their packaging.

The availability of domestically produced food-grade rPET can help businesses reduce supply-chain risks, improve sourcing reliability, and meet sustainability targets more efficiently.

Chemco’s integrated model, which combines recycling capabilities with downstream packaging manufacturing, also provides enhanced quality control and end-to-end traceability throughout the production process.

This approach is expected to become increasingly valuable as demand for certified recycled materials continues to rise across India and international markets.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

Beyond its industrial significance, the project contributes to broader sustainability objectives by diverting large volumes of plastic waste from landfills and the environment.

The initiative also supports local economic development through skilled job creation and reinforces Gujarat’s growing reputation as a manufacturing and sustainability hub.

As governments and industries worldwide focus on resource efficiency and circular economy strategies, investments in advanced recycling infrastructure are becoming a key component of long-term environmental planning.

What This Means for India’s Packaging Future

Chemco’s FSSAI authorization reflects the increasing maturity of India’s recycled plastics sector and highlights the growing importance of food-grade recycling capabilities.

With recycled-content mandates tightening and sustainability commitments accelerating across industries, access to certified food-grade rPET is likely to become a critical factor for packaging manufacturers and consumer brands alike.

The approval not only strengthens Chemco’s position in the market but also signals continued momentum toward a more circular and sustainable packaging industry in India.

 

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