Ball Beverage Packaging India welcome FSSAI notification to permit non-transparent packaging substrates for packaged water

                                                                               

Mumbai, February 23, 2022- Ball Beverage Packaging India, a leading producer of infinitely recyclable aluminum beverage cans, today welcomed the move by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to pave the way for packaging drinking water in the non- transparent packaging solutions like Aluminum Beverage Cans. This will not only address issues on the sustainability front and contribute to the Government’s initiative to regulate single use plastics but also provide the end consumer an eco-friendly alternative.

The Aluminum Beverage Can manufacturers had written to FSSAI to make necessary regulatory changes in the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations 2018 for Packaged Drinking Water. This was in line with the recommendation by the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the suggestions made by  the Expert Committee which had the  representatives from Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Food Safety  and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Director General of Health Services (DGHS) in 2019, to remove the restriction on the use of non-transparent bottle for packaging drinking water to enable businesses to explore alternatives other than the PET currently in use.

Developed countries in North America and Europe have widely adopted packaged drinking water in Aluminum Beverage Cans and brands are now launching water in Aluminium Beverage Cans in developing countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Brazil too.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Amit Lahoti, Senior Director and General Manager - Asia, Ball Beverage Packaging, said, “We thank FSSAI for bringing in this regulation that will place India at par with other environmentally conscious countries who are encouraging sustainable beverage packaging choices. We are excited to offer our prospect customers in the packaged water space innovative aluminium cans as a sustainable packaging material. Cans are infinitely recyclable, lightweight, tamper proof stackable and strong, allowing brands to package and transport more beverages using less material.”

Ankur Chawla, Co-Founder, Responsible Whatr, said, “It is a great initiative and we, at Responsible Whatr, as the first ones in India to package Natural Spring water beverages in a can, wholeheartedly welcome the move. As a hotelier, it’s always been a challenge to move away from single-use plastic particularly in a few volume-driven spaces like banquets, rooms etc. The challenge is very prominent even in industries like cinemas, airlines and many more. However, the option of serving water in endlessly and infinitely recyclable aluminium cans is surely a step in the right direction. Moreover, aluminum cans are the perfect packaging solution to keep the freshness of the natural spring water from the Himalayas intact and the taste of the water doesn’t deteriorate since there is no exposure to light. We thank FSSAI for bringing this regulation.”

Karthik Rajput, Director, Volnaa Beverages Pvt Ltd, said, “Sustainability is the foundation of our firm with a conscious aim on reducing the usage of single use plastic. The FSSAI notification will further strengthen our vision and focus to make the packaged water industry more eco-friendly and at the same time give consumer a sustainable packaging option. We would thank Ball for supporting our cause and working towards building a green future for our planet.”

Aluminium beverage cans are the most widely recycled beverage package in the world at an average of 69%. They can be recycled over and over with marginal losses, regardless of colour, finish and designs and contribute to a truly circular economy. 75% of the aluminium ever produced is still in use today.

About Ball Beverage Packaging India Pvt Ltd

Ball Corporation supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 21,500 people worldwide and reported 2020 net sales of $11.8 billion.

In India, Ball has three state-of-the-art facilities: two beverage can facilities in Taloja in Maharashtra and Sri City in Andhra Pradesh, and one aerosol packaging facility in Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Beyond the Indian market, these three plants cater to the markets in the ASEAN, middle-east and Africa regions.

 

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