Union MoS Prataprao Jadhav Inaugurates National Consultation on Sustainable Food Packaging in Mumbai

Mumbai: In a significant step towards fostering environmentally responsible food safety practices, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, inaugurated the National Stakeholder Consultation on “Sustainable Packaging for Food Business: Emerging Global Trends and Regulatory Framework” in Mumbai today. The event was organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and brought together over 1,500 stakeholders from across the food ecosystem.

In his keynote address, Jadhav emphasized the urgent need for sustainable packaging solutions, citing the long-term environmental harm caused by conventional plastic packaging. “Plastic, once introduced into the environment, remains for decades and poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health. It is imperative that we transition to alternatives that are recyclable, biodegradable, and safe,” he said.

Announcing a key regulatory development, Jadhav revealed that FSSAI has prepared comprehensive guidelines for the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) in food packaging after extensive stakeholder consultations. These guidelines are aligned with global best practices and aim to facilitate the safe use of recycled materials in food packaging.

To assist consumers in identifying such packaging, a new logo has also been developed, making it easier for people to make informed and eco-conscious choices.

Jadhav underscored India’s rich history of sustainable practices, stating, “India has the potential to lead the world by blending age-old ecological wisdom with modern technological innovation. We must reconnect with our traditional methods while embracing science-based advancements to ensure a sustainable future.”

The Minister also commended the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI for organizing the consultation, calling it a “crucial platform” for dialogue on public health and environmental well-being.

The consultation brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors—food businesses, packaging industries, recycling associations, regulatory bodies, environmental organizations, consumer and farmer groups, and government agencies. The aim was to deliberate on the future roadmap for sustainable food packaging in India.

As part of the event, an informal open consultation session was held, during which Jadhav personally interacted with participants to hear their concerns, ideas, and suggestions for fostering innovation and compliance.

The consultation featured a dedicated Technical Session, where the Chairperson of FSSAI’s Scientific Panel on Packaging detailed the scientific and risk-based approach adopted in framing the new standards. The session underscored transparency and evidence-based policymaking as core principles of the regulatory framework.

Representatives from the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provided insights into both Indian and global standards for food packaging. Officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) highlighted the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under the Plastic Waste Management Rules in promoting circular economy models.

Industry leaders showcased innovative packaging solutions—including lightweight, recyclable materials—alongside strategies for plastic waste recovery and consumer engagement.

The session concluded with a technical summary by Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor (Science & Standards and Regulations), FSSAI, who stressed the significance of collaborative efforts across sectors. “Sustainable packaging is not just an environmental imperative but a public health priority. It is only through continued engagement with stakeholders that we can ensure our standards are scientifically robust, practically implementable, and globally competitive,” she noted.

This National Stakeholder Consultation marks another step in FSSAI’s broader mission to integrate sustainability into India’s food safety regulations, ensuring that policy decisions are inclusive, forward-looking, and aligned with the nation’s environmental commitments.