India News

FSSAI Bans PFAs, BPA in Food Packaging Draft

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a draft notification on October 6, 2025, proposing significant amendments to its 2018 Packaging Regulations. These amendments aim to enhance food packaging safety by prohibiting the use of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) and requiring polycarbonate and epoxy resins to be free from Bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives. The draft, publicly released on October 13, 2025, addresses concerns over environmental persistence and potential health risks associated with these substances, including hormonal disruption. The FSSAI has opened the draft for 60 days of public comments and suggestions before finalizing the regulations, aligning India with global efforts for safer and more sustainable food contact materials.

TaxGuru

India’s packaging industry set for major transformation from being product-driven to innovation-driven

India’s packaging industry is undergoing a significant shift from a product-centric model to one driven by innovation, sustainability, and technology. According to Suresh Bansal, Founder & CEO of DCGpac, a sustainable packaging e-commerce company, brands are now prioritizing packaging that reflects sustainability, smartness, and scalability. This transformation is fueled by consumer demand for AI-led customization, eco-friendly materials, and circular economy models aligned with ESG goals. The “Make in India” initiative and the booming e-commerce sector further accelerate the demand for modern packaging solutions that go beyond protection to tell a brand’s story and enhance customer experience.

Bizz Buzz

Lowest CPI since 2017: Retail inflation cools to 1.54% in September; food prices remain in deflation for 4th straight month

India’s retail inflation significantly dropped to 1.54% in September 2025, the lowest since June 2017, primarily due to a fourth consecutive month of declining food prices. This favorable trend is attributed to a positive base effect and reduced costs for essential food items such as vegetables, edible oils, and cereals, pushing food inflation to its lowest point since December 2018. The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) registered a deflation of -2.28% year-on-year, indicating a deeper fall in food prices across both rural and urban areas.

The Times of India

International News

Novel material in new bioplastic

Researchers at Flinders University’s Advanced Materials Lab have developed a novel bioplastic using casein-starch polymeric film, offering a promising solution to the global plastic pollution crisis. Published on September 8, 2025, the article details this industry innovation aimed at creating sustainable food packaging. This development addresses the urgent need for biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, which are increasingly found as microplastics in the environment and even within human organs. Professor Youhong Tang’s team’s work is part of a broader effort to mitigate the environmental impact of packaging, aligning with major trends in sustainability and material innovation within the industry.

Flinders (News)

LabelExpo Mexico 2025 Coverage Highlights Industry Innovation and Market Growth

INKISH.TV’s coverage of LabelExpo Mexico 2025 underscores the vibrant landscape of the labels and packaging sector in Latin America, focusing on significant industry innovations and major trends. The reporting features insights from prominent industry leaders, including those from Mark Andy and CERM, who discuss their strategic investments and expanding presence in the Mexican market. Key topics explored include the latest advancements in digital printing and flexo technologies, the transformative potential of sustainable inks in packaging, and the increasing demand for automation across printing workflows. This collection of interviews and reports highlights the substantial growth opportunities in Mexico and the adaptability of international manufacturers in catering to specific regional needs through cutting-edge innovations and collaborative partnerships.

INKISH.TV

Perspectives on Eco-Friendly Food Packaging: Challenges, Solutions, and Trends

This article delves into the critical role of sustainable packaging within the food industry, outlining various eco-friendly options such as recyclable, reusable, biodegradable, and compostable materials. It comprehensively explores the inherent characteristics, advantages, and limitations associated with each solution. The discussion also addresses significant obstacles hindering widespread adoption, including low consumer awareness, the complexities of adjusting supply chains, the need for robust infrastructure for reverse logistics and composting, and the often-higher production costs of sustainable alternatives. Furthermore, the piece highlights regulatory hurdles and technological constraints, while also identifying promising avenues for future research and innovation to achieve more efficient, safer, and environmentally sustainable packaging solutions globally.

MDPI