Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has drafted a new rule that pan masala and gutka products are to be packaged in a plastic-free way.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has proposed a major change in how pan masala and gutka products are packaged, calling for a complete shift away from plastic materials.
FSSAI proposes plastic-free packaging for pan masala
Under a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the regulator has suggested that all packaging for pan masala, gutka and similar products should be entirely plastic-free.
Manufacturers would instead need to use eco-friendly alternatives such as paper, paperboard, cellulose and other naturally derived materials.
The proposal bans plastic in any form, including polyethene, polypropylene and multilayer laminates, which are currently widely used in small sachets sold across India.
It also covers restrictions on aluminium foil and metallised layers that are commonly used to maintain product shelf life.
Why is FSSAI proposing the new rule?
According to the regulator, the move is part of a broader push to encourage safe and sustainable packaging practices across the food sector.
The draft has been opened for public consultation, giving industry stakeholders 30 days to submit feedback before the rules are finalised.
The proposed change is significant because pan masala and gutka packaging are major contributors to single-use plastic waste in India.
These small sachets are difficult to recycle and are often discarded in public spaces, adding to environmental pollution.
If implemented, the new rules could also impact manufacturers, as switching to alternative materials may increase production costs. This could eventually affect pricing and supply chains.
While no specific ministerial statement has been officially linked to this proposal so far, the move aligns with India’s wider efforts to reduce plastic waste and tighten regulations around widely consumed products.