Hyderabad-based Srichakra Polyplast (Srichakra), one of the leading first food-grade quality plastic recycling companies, has announced that its recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) has received a positive safety assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
According to the media report – the announcement comes as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) prepares to authorise the use of rPET for food packaging, reducing the need for virgin plastics and paving the path for a circular economy for plastics in India.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assesses the safety of substances used in food contact materials (FCM), such as active and intelligent materials. The EFSA decision is based on a thorough examination of procedures, with an emphasis on the end polymer product’s appropriateness for packaging.
Until recently, the use of rPET in food contact materials was heavily restricted in several Asian countries, including India. The Indian government’s approach signifies a legislative shift that will allow bottle-to-bottle recycling and aid the development of local circular supply chains.
Ravindra Venkata, CEO and Co-founder of Srichakra, said, “As an organization, Srichakra is committed to offering the highest grade of recycled plastic to customers in India and international markets such as Europe and the United States. We are thrilled to receive positive EFSA’s positive scientific opinion which is considered as a global benchmark. We are well on our path to be the first facility in India to offer premium food-grade rPET to domestic and global markets. Moreover, FSSAI’s release of guidelines for acceptance of rPET for food applications in India is an exciting development and we are looking forward to contributing to building circular supply chains in India.”
