Sustainable Packaging: A Path towards Health and Sustainability

In the bustling city of Mumbai on 16th April 2025, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, delivered a powerful address marking the inauguration of a pivotal National Stakeholder Consultation by FSSAI. His speech underscored the need for a shift towards sustainable packaging solutions, a vision that resonated deeply with his audience.

Jadhav’s address highlighted India’s potential in embracing sustainability. He emphasized that plastic remains a growing concern due to its non-recyclable nature and long decomposition time, thus necessitating alternatives like rPET, which are both eco-friendly and biodegradable. FSSAI, through this initiative, provided the necessary guidelines, aligning with global best practices and ensuring informed decision-making.

The National Stakeholder Consultation was part of a series designed to foster inclusivity and evidence-based policymaking in food safety regulations. It featured sessions on multiple stakeholders, including food businesses, packaging industries, regulatory bodies, and consumer groups. These discussions underscored the importance of adopting circular economy principles, promoting recyclable and biodegradable packaging.

The Technical Session, led by FSSAI’s Scientific Panel, presented detailed scientific bases for sustainable packaging standards, emphasizing transparency in consultations to build trust. Meanwhile, industry representatives introduced innovative solutions tailored for food safety, addressing challenges such as plastic waste recovery.

In conclusion, this consultation marks a significant step towards aligning sustainability with public health goals. By involving stakeholders across sectors, it aims to create a robust framework for eco-friendly packaging, contributing to India’s broader environmental objectives and ensuring sustainable growth for all.