Go Rewise Is FSSAI-Approved: Why EPR and Packaging Compliance Now Go Hand in Hand

Go Rewise Is FSSAI-Approved: Why EPR and Packaging Compliance Now Go Hand in Hand

Introduction

India’s push for sustainable packaging is no longer limited to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under Plastic Waste Management. Another layer of compliance has become critical—The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

This blog unpacks how FSSAI packaging mandates intersect with EPR and what that means for your material choices, supply chain documentation, and risk exposure.

1. Important Regulatory Update | FSSAI Packaging Amendment, 2025

The FSSAI has announced an important amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, through Gazette Notification (F. No. STD/SP-20/T(Recycledplastics-N) dated March 28th, 2025), effective immediately.

A major shift has been introduced: Recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) products are now permitted for use in packaging, storage, transportation, or dispensing of food, provided they meet specific standards and guidelines outlined by the Food Authority.

This update aligns with FSSAI’s broader efforts to promote sustainable packaging. In line with these changes, FSSAI hosted a National Stakeholder Consultation on Sustainable Packaging for Food Businesses on April 16th, 2025, in Mumbai. During this event, the FCM r-PET logo was launched, marking the introduction of food-contact recycled plastics into the packaging ecosystem.

The consultation served as a platform for stakeholders across both regulatory and industry sectors to discuss the future of sustainable packaging, especially with Use of Recycled Plastics targets under EPR now coming into effect from the current fiscal year.

2. What the FSSAI Packaging Regulations Say: A Detailed Overview

The Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 codify material standards, testing protocols, labelling requirements, and documentation procedures for any packaging material that comes into contact with food.

a. Material-Specific Standards

• Recycled PET (rPET) must comply with IS 12252 specifications for food-contact applications.

b. Testing & Process Validation

FSSAI mandates rigorous testing to ensure packaging does not transfer harmful substances to food, alter its composition, or affect taste and odor. These include:

• Challenge Test: Simulated contamination is used to validate the recycling process. Residual contaminant levels must remain below 220 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg) of resin.
• Migration Test: Measures the transfer of substances from packaging to food or simulants. Levels must be under 10 micrograms per kilogram (µg/kg).
• Extraction Test: Determines substances present in the recycled PET after processing.
• Sensory Analysis: Conducted as per ISO 13302 to ensure no off-odors or tastes.

All tests must be performed in NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) / ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation)-accredited labs, aligned with IS 9845, IS 12252, and IS 9833. NABL/ILAC-accredited labs

c. Super-Clean Recycling Process

FSSAI permits the use of recycled PET in direct food contact applications only if a super-clean process is used. This must include:

• Decontamination through high heat, high vacuum, and/or surface treatment in a controlled environment.
• Input materials must be pre-qualified to meet food-grade standards.

d. Labelling and Traceability

• All food-contact packaging must be labeled “Food Grade” and “FSSAI Compliant”.

Full traceability through lot coding and batch-level documentation is mandatory.

e. Documentation for Compliance

• Declaration of Compliance (DoC): Each batch must come with a formal assertion of conformity to IS 12252.
• Traceability Documentation: Detailed records of inputs, process parameters, and outputs must be maintained and ready for regulatory audits.

3. How the FSSAI update is driving EPR compliance

While EPR governs the environmental responsibility across the entire packaging lifecycle, FSSAI regulations apply specifically to food-contact materials, especially in the context of food-grade recycled PET (rPET).

This dual obligation calls for an integrated compliance strategy—where recycled content is deployed thoughtfully, such as in secondary or tertiary packaging, while primary food-contact packaging strictly adheres to FSSAI’s food safety norms.

4. The Go Rewise Perspective: Your Packaging Should Be Both Safe and Sustainable

Recognised by FSSAI for food-grade rPET production, Go Rewise operates within a highly regulated framework—backed by certified processes, validated testing, and full traceability.

Our approach supports FMCG Brands and packaging manufacturers in meeting dual regulatory goals of using 30% Post Consumer Recyclate (PCR) and minimum recycling level of 50% for Category 1 plastics as per the EPR guidelines.

EPR Optimisation:

We help you fulfil annual recovery and recycling obligations by aligning your materials, vendors, and reverse logistics network with CPCB-approved processes.

FSSAI-Compliant rPET Supply:

We work closely with accredited labs and certification bodies to provide traceable, documented, food-contact-safe rPET—ensuring your packaging is fully compliant with FSSAI’s stringent norms.

5. Why It Matters

Your packaging shouldn’t have to choose between sustainability and safety. At Go Rewise, we ensure you get both:

• FSSAI-approved food-grade rPET
  
• Industry-leading testing protocols
  
• CPCB-approved network and traceability
  
• EPR strategy alignment

♻️ Ready to make your packaging both compliant and future-ready? View our products or  reach out to Go Rewise and simplify your sustainability journey without compromising food safety.