Tetra Pak has reportedly introduced packaging material containing recycled polymers in India, marking a first for the food and beverage packaging industry in the country.

The new carton packages, integrating 5% certified recycled polymers, comply with the country's Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022 set by the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, which will be effective from 1 April 2025.

According to an Asian News International report, the initiative is seen as a significant step in Tetra Pak's journey towards circularity, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil-based resources and improve material reuse.

The packaging material has achieved certification from International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, a globally recognised sustainability certification system, ensuring compliance with stringent standards.

The recycled polymers used in Tetra Pak's packaging are claimed to be sourced and allocated according to the ISCC mass balance attribution method.

This approach involves using chemical recycling technology to produce plastics that are a mix of recycled and nonrecycled materials, with the mass of recycled content tracked throughout the supply chain.

Tetra Pak South Asia managing director Cassio Simoes was quoted by the news agency as saying: “We are proud to be the first carton packaging producer to bring packaging material with 5% certified recycled polymers to India.

“This recycled content is being sourced from India, and the packaging material is also being made at our ISCC PLUS-certified factory in Chakan, Pune.

“We applaud the commitment of the Ministry of Environment Forests & Climate to promoting circularity, and for making India one of the first countries in the world to introduce this regulation as early as 2025."