Chemco Group has received approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to manufacture food-grade recycled PET (rPET) resin for food-contact packaging applications under the Food Safety & Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018.
With this certification, Chemco joins a limited group of Indian companies authorised to produce compliant rPET suitable for direct use in food and beverage packaging, marking a key advancement in India’s circular packaging ecosystem.
The approval follows the commissioning of Chemco’s integrated bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in Sanand, Gujarat, built with an investment of around ₹125 crore. The facility is designed to recycle over 1 billion post-consumer PET bottles annually into high-quality food-grade rPET resin.
The plant uses advanced Starlinger recycling technology and is designed to meet strict regulatory requirements for food-contact materials, including standards set by FSSAI, BIS, US FDA, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It is also supported by robust traceability, quality control, and food safety systems, including FSSC 22000 certification.
FSSAI approval represents a major regulatory milestone for India’s recycled plastics industry, as food-contact materials must comply with stringent safety, testing, and traceability requirements under national packaging regulations.
Chemco highlighted that the approval strengthens its long-term strategy to build reliable circular packaging infrastructure in India, while ensuring consistent supply of high-quality recycled materials for brand owners.
The development comes as India’s Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules progressively tighten recycled-content obligations for packaging. For rigid plastic packaging such as PET bottles, requirements are set to rise from 40% in FY 2026–27 to 60% by FY 2028–29.
As demand for compliant recycled materials increases, domestic production of food-grade rPET is expected to play a crucial role in meeting regulatory targets and reducing dependence on imports.
Chemco’s integrated bottle-to-bottle model enhances supply chain traceability by combining resin production with packaging operations, positioning the company as a key contributor to India’s circular packaging transition.
Beyond environmental benefits, the project also supports industrial growth, skilled job creation, and strengthens Gujarat’s position as a hub for sustainable manufacturing.
