New Delhi: Global packaging leader Tetra Pak has become the first company in India’s food and beverage packaging industry to integrate certified recycled polymers into its products. The company announced on Monday that its new carton packages, featuring 5% certified recycled polymers, will be introduced in India from April 1, 2025, in compliance with the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022.
The move aligns with the Indian government’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote circular economy practices. Tetra Pak’s packaging materials are certified by ISCC PLUS (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification), a globally recognized system ensuring sustainability and compliance with food safety regulations.
Cassio Simões, Managing Director, Tetra Pak South Asia, highlighted that the company’s ISCC PLUS-certified factory in Chakan, Pune, will produce the new packaging material using locally sourced recycled content.
“We are proud to be India’s first carton packaging producer to introduce certified recycled polymers. This initiative supports the country’s push for sustainable packaging solutions while encouraging industry-wide adoption of circular materials,” Simões said.
The recycled polymers are derived through chemical recycling technology, which tracks the mass of recycled content across the supply chain. This method ensures that the quality of recycled plastics matches virgin polymers, making them safe for food and beverage applications.
Tetra Pak’s initiative boosts India’s recycling ecosystem by creating demand for recycled materials and supporting infrastructure development.
“The transition to mainstream adoption of plant-based and recycled polymers is still ongoing. Our long-term goal is to ensure that all our packaging is made from renewable or recycled materials, reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics,” Simões added.
As India gears up for stricter plastic waste regulations, Tetra Pak’s pioneering step is expected to encourage wider industry participation in sustainable packaging solutions.