India Has The Potential To Lead The World In Sustainable Packaging: MoS Health Prataprao Jadhav
He says that the usage of plastic is a growing concern globally, as it stays undecomposed in the environment for years having detrimental consequences
"Shifting towards sustainable methods of packaging is the need of the hour," said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, while unveiling the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)'s National Stakeholder Consultation on "Sustainable Packaging for Food Business: Emerging Global Trends and Regulatory Framework".
He stressed that the usage of plastic is a growing concern globally, as it stays undecomposed in the environment for years having detrimental consequences. “What we need today is a shift towards alternatives that are sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable”, he further stated.
In his address, Jadhav highlighted the growing importance of sustainable packaging of food items. He announced that the guidelines for the use of rPET in packaging have been prepared by FSSAI after extensive consultations with all stakeholders and in line with the best global practices. He also mentioned that a logo has been developed for easy identification and to benefit consumers of food products.
The consultation technical session included a presentation by the Chairperson of the Scientific Panel on Packaging of FSSAI on the scientific methodology and consultative approach to establishing these standards. Discussions were also conducted by BIS on similar packaging laws worldwide and in India, and the CPCB explained how it aided in facilitating sustainable practices via Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines in the Plastic Waste Management Rules.
Industry representatives presented fresh innovations on eco-friendly, less-heavy, and recyclable design alternatives for food and beverage packaging; also discussed were topics of recovery and recycling of plastic waste and consumer expectations for advancing the circular economy.
Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor (Science & Standards and Regulations), reiterated the importance of collaborative engagement with all stakeholders to ensure a proper alignment of sustainable packaging solutions for food safety and environmental goals.
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