Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, inaugurated the National Stakeholder Consultation on “Sustainable Packaging for Food Business: Emerging Global Trends and Regulatory Framework,” organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in Mumbai on April 16, 2025.
In his inaugural address, Shri Jadhav emphasized the urgent need for a transition towards sustainable packaging in the food industry. Highlighting the global environmental impact of plastic waste, he underscored the importance of adopting packaging alternatives that are sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable. “Shifting towards sustainable methods of packaging is the need of the hour,” he asserted, adding that the environmental persistence of plastics poses significant risks to ecosystems.
He announced that the FSSAI has finalized guidelines for the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food packaging, following extensive stakeholder consultations and in alignment with international best practices. A new logo has also been introduced to help consumers easily identify products packaged using rPET, enhancing transparency and trust.
Recognizing India’s rich legacy of eco-conscious living, Shri Jadhav advocated for blending traditional ecological wisdom with modern innovations to forge sustainable solutions. “India has the potential to lead the world in this direction,” he stated.
The Minister lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI in organizing the consultation, which provided a vital platform for deliberating on issues impacting national health and environmental well-being. During the event, Shri Jadhav also engaged in an open consultation session, encouraging stakeholders to share challenges and explore avenues for future growth and improvement.
The event saw the participation of over 1,500 stakeholders from diverse sectors including food businesses, packaging manufacturers, recycling organizations, regulatory authorities, environmental groups, consumer advocates, farmer associations, and government agencies. The consultation was part of a broader initiative by the FSSAI, under the guidance of the Health Ministry, to promote inclusive, transparent, and evidence-driven policymaking.
The technical session featured a presentation from the Chairperson of FSSAI’s Scientific Panel on Packaging, who detailed the scientific rationale and consultative methods used in setting packaging standards. Officials from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) discussed global and Indian packaging norms, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) elaborated on their role in enforcing sustainable practices through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework under the Plastic Waste Management Rules.
Industry representatives showcased innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions being developed for the food and beverage sector. Emphasis was placed on lightweight, recyclable materials and the significance of plastic waste recovery to support a circular economy. Discussions also addressed consumer expectations surrounding sustainable packaging.
The session concluded with a comprehensive debrief by Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor (Science & Standards and Regulations) at FSSAI, who highlighted the critical role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing food packaging solutions that are both safe and environmentally sustainable.
The National Stakeholder Consultation marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to align food packaging practices with environmental priorities and global sustainability goals.
