INDIA – Tetra Pak has become the first company in India’s food and beverage packaging industry to integrate certified recycled polymers into its packaging materials.
The Swedish multinational’s move comes in compliance with India’s updated Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022, which require the incorporation of recycled content in plastic packaging.
The new packaging material, which contains 5% certified recycled polymers, will be available ahead of the April 1, 2025, enforcement date for the regulation.
Tetra Pak’s materials have been certified by ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification), a globally recognized system that ensures high environmental responsibility standards are met.
According to the company, these certified recycled polymers are sourced locally and produced at its ISCC PLUS-certified facility in Chakan, Pune.
Cassio Simões, Managing Director of Tetra Pak South Asia, emphasized the importance of the regulation in fostering a shift toward circular solutions in the packaging industry.
“We are proud to be the first carton packaging producer to introduce this material in India. The use of recycled content aligns with evolving sustainability regulations and supports the food and beverage industry in its transition to responsible packaging solutions,” Simões stated.
Chemical recycling technology ensures food-grade safety
The recycled polymers incorporated in Tetra Pak’s packaging are produced using chemical recycling technology, which allows plastics to be made from a mix of recycled and virgin materials.
This process ensures the mass of recycled content is tracked throughout the supply chain and complies with global food safety regulations. Chemically recycled plastics maintain the same quality as virgin polymers, making them suitable for direct food and beverage contact.
Regulatory compliance and industry impact
India’s updated plastic waste regulations are part of broader efforts to curb environmental pollution by promoting the use of recycled materials in consumer packaging.
The mandate requires companies to integrate a minimum percentage of recycled content in their plastic packaging, driving demand for advanced recycling technologies.
Industry experts note that early adoption by multinational firms such as Tetra Pak could set a precedent for other manufacturers in the sector.
In recent years, the Indian government has implemented multiple initiatives to address plastic waste, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines that place the onus on manufacturers for waste management.
The transition to recycled content in packaging is expected to play a role in achieving national sustainability targets and reducing dependency on virgin plastic production.
Tetra Pak, a global leader in packaging solutions, has been actively investing in sustainability-driven innovations.
The company has introduced similar recycled content initiatives in other markets, including Europe and North America, aligning with international trends toward sustainable packaging.
The food and beverage industry in India is expected to adapt to these changes as the 2025 deadline approaches.
With regulatory frameworks evolving, packaging manufacturers may increasingly seek certification systems such as ISCC PLUS to validate the sustainability credentials of their materials.
The success of these initiatives will likely depend on industry-wide collaboration and advancements in recycling infrastructure to support scalable adoption.
