The new plastic recycling and reuse guidelines of the Ministry of Environment are coming into effect from April 1, 2025, which has posed a big challenge to the FMCG sector. Companies will now have to compulsorily use recycled plastic in their packaging.

What is the problem of FMCG sector- Shortage of food grade plastic: Companies say that the recycling and reuse capacity of food-grade plastic is not sufficient yet.

FSSAI's food safety rules: Plastic packages with less than 5 liters capacity are not allowed to be reused. Less recycling plants: Only 5 plants can make food-grade PET plastic, which can meet only 15% of the total demand. What do the new guidelines say- Reuse is necessary: ​​- 10% plastic will have to be reused in packaging of 0.9 liters to 4.9 liters. 70% plastic will have to be reused in packaging more than 5 liters. Recycling rule: - It will be mandatory for companies to recycle 50% plastic waste. New packaging from recycled plastic: - It will be mandatory to use 30% recycled plastic in PET packaging. 10% recycled plastic (chips, milk packets, oil packets, chocolate wrappers) will have to be used in flexible packaging. 5% recycled plastic (coffee cups, disposable packets) will have to be used in multi-layer packaging. What are FMCG companies saying- Companies are seeking relief in guidelines from the government (Environment Ministry), because the number of units making food-grade recycled plastic is very less. Challenge for the beverage industry: How will companies fulfill the condition of using new packaging made from 30% recycled PET, this is a big question. Can sell but cannot reuse: The responsibility of recycling is not limited to just collecting and recycling garbage, but the use of recycled plastic in new packaging is also mandatory.