The Plastic waste Management Rules mandated the use of 30 per cent recycled content in rigid plastic packaging effective from 2025-26. | Photo Credit: DENIS BALIBOUSE

With the Center notifying mandatory norms for use of 40 per cent recycled content in food-grade packaging, Association of PET Recylers Bharat said that recycled PET makers have established facilities with a total capacity of about 3 lakh tonnes with investments to the tune of ₹9,000-10,000 crore. The industry body said that with this India is well-positioned to cater to 50 per cent of the total PET requirement for bottling applications through recycled material.

Earlier in March this year, FSSAI had granted authorisation to seventeen recycled PET manufacturing plants unlocking 3 lakh tonne capacity for the country’s circular packaging economy.

Goutham Jain, Director General, APR Bharat said, “The move is set to significantly ease the supply chain disruptions caused due to recent geopolitical uncertainties impacting both availability and pricing of virgin PET. With the current authorised capacities in place, India is well positioned to cater to up to 50 per cent of the total PET requirement for bottling applications through recycled material.”

Starting April 1, brands and producers are required to use 40 per cent recycled content in packaging. In addition, they are also expected to carry forward unfulfilled target for mandatory use of recycled content of FY25-26 (30 per cent mandate) for a period of up to three consecutive years with a minimum of one third of the carry forward target to be achieved every year. In its draft notification issued on June 3, 2025, MoEFCC had allowed brands and producers to carry forward shortfalls in meeting the 30 per cent r-PET target for food contact applications for 2025-26 over the next three years.

The Plastic waste Management Rules mandated the use of 30 per cent recycled content in rigid plastic packaging effective from 2025-26. This will be increased by 10 per cent every year until 60 per cent in 2028-29 and onwards.

“The mandate is expected to accelerate the adoption of recycled PET (rPET) across the food and beverage sector, creating robust demand for high-quality recycled materials while strengthening the domestic recycling ecosystem,” Jain added.

Thimmaiah NP, MD & CEO, Alternicq told businessline, “This regulation will enable bringing packaging fully back into the loop and significantly reducing waste leakage into landfills or oceans, if implemented effectively. At the same time, it is important to recognise that this transition is technically challenging. Incorporating recycled content while maintaining the same quality, safety, and performance requires deep R&D, innovation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities. For companies like Alternicq, this is particularly encouraging because we operate in rigid plastic packaging, which is 100 per cent recyclable and inherently suited for circularity.”

Meanwhile, the agro-chemical industry said that the new guidelines also bring ease with regards to compliance concerns. Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India said, “As per the notification, the mandatory use of recycled plastic in plastic packaging category-wise shall not be applicable where use of recycled plastic in plastic packaging is not permitted, under a law or regulation or rule notified by the Government or Government Body such as Central Insecticide Board.This clarification brings much-needed regulatory alignment, recognising that such packaging is already governed by existing rules & regulations under Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee.”

Published on April 2, 2026