UFlex, an Indian company specialising in flexible packaging solutions, has obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its recycling process.
This move reportedly marks the first-ever approval from the FDA for an Indian company in food-contact recycling.
The approval permits UFlex to incorporate its recycled polyethylene (rPE) into food packaging, representing a significant advancement in reducing plastic waste and assisting global brands in achieving their sustainability objectives.
The company claims that its recycling process is capable of removing ink from post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials by more than 95%, positioning it as one of the most advanced processes globally.
This certification meets international standards and supports the global move towards a circular economy.
To enhance its infrastructure, UFlex said that it is investing Rs3.15bn ($38m) in advanced recycling technologies.
Specifically, this investment will see the construction of two new recycling plants at its Noida facility in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, with a combined annual capacity to process 39,600 tonnes of plastic waste.
The company expects these plants to greatly increase the production of recycled polyethylene terephthalate and rPE materials for food packaging, in line with India’s increasing focus on sustainability and its developing legislative framework.
The country’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations require the inclusion of recycled materials in packaging.
UFlex whole-time and sustainability director and Flexible Packaging and New Product Development president Jeevaraj Gopal Pillai said: “In line with our commitment to support the Government of India’s EPR legislation, we are proud to announce this significant investment to strengthen our recycling capabilities.
“The Indian government has set ambitious targets for the collection, recycling, reuse, and use of recycled content in plastic packaging to promote sustainable packaging.
“Our enhanced recycling operations will empower brand owners to meet their EPR commitments and set a global benchmark for sustainable packaging.”
Last month, UFlex revealed an $86.35m investment to set up a woven polypropylene bags manufacturing unit in Mexico.
