No More Plastic: FSSAI Proposes Eco-Friendly Packaging For Pan Masala, Gutkha

Last Updated:April 29, 2026, 13:53 IST

The move is part of efforts to promote safer and more sustainable packaging practices across the food sector.

Food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has proposed phasing out plastic packaging for pan masala and gutkha, suggesting a shift to eco-friendly alternatives such as paper, paperboard and cellulose.

The move is part of efforts to promote safer and more sustainable packaging practices across the food sector.

In a draft amendment to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, the watchdog said plastic materials in any form should not be used for packaging gutkha, pan masala and tobacco products. It also proposed expanding the list of permitted materials to include naturally derived options that are widely considered suitable for food packaging.

The proposed rules align with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, and aim to reduce environmental impact while allowing flexibility for manufacturers. The regulator has invited stakeholder comments over the next 30 days, with existing options such as tin and glass containers set to remain in use.’

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In the draft notification, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has sought to expand the list of suggestive packaging materials for pan masala by including naturally derived options, such as paper, paperboard, cellulose and other similar materials.

These materials are widely recognised for their suitability in food packaging and their potential to support evolving industry practices, as per the regulator.

According to the draft Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2026, such packaging materials should be free from plastic.

“Plastic material, in any form including Vinyl Acetate – Maleic Acid – Vinyl Chloride Copolymer, shall not be used in any package for packaging gutkha, pan masala and tobacco in all forms," as per the draft notification.

Sachets using plastic material should not be used for storing, packing or selling gutkha, tobacco and pan masala, it added.

A health ministry official said the use of established packaging formats, such as tin and glass containers, would continue, thereby ensuring flexibility for manufacturers to adopt packaging solutions best suited to their operational and commercial needs within the regulatory framework.

(With inputs from PTI)

News india No More Plastic: FSSAI Proposes Eco-Friendly Packaging For Pan Masala, Gutkha

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