UFlex Ltd. has become the first Indian company to receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to use recycled polyethylene (rPE) in food packaging. This certification allows UFlex to incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in food packaging, contributing to the global move toward sustainability.
The company’s recycling process, known as super-clean recycling, can de-ink PCR materials by more than 95%, making it one of the most advanced technologies in the industry. This approval is part of a broader global shift toward a circular economy and sustainable packaging solutions.
UFlex is also investing INR 317 crores (USD 38 million) in two new recycling plants in Noida, India. These plants, with a combined annual capacity of 39,600 metric tons, will focus on processing plastic waste into recycled polyethylene (rPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) materials. This investment aligns with India’s growing sustainability initiatives and regulatory frameworks.
“In line with our commitment to support the Government of India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, we are proud to announce this significant investment,” said Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai, Whole Time Director at UFlex. “Our enhanced recycling operations will help brand owners meet their EPR commitments.”
UFlex is also working with government bodies such as FSSAI and BIS to develop guidelines for the safe use of rPE in food packaging in India. The company’s success in obtaining USFDA approval may influence packaging regulations in other regions, including the Middle East, where sustainability efforts are increasing in response to global environmental concerns and driven by tightening regulations and a global push for environmental responsibility. As sustainability becomes a key focus in the region, UFlex’s progress could influence packaging practices in the Middle East, where there is a growing demand for eco-friendly solutions.