Emerging economies and developed nations across the Asia-Pacific region are introducing sweeping packaging regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste, improving food safety, and standardising sustainable packaging practices.
From India’s new standards for food-contact plastics to Singapore’s far-reaching food safety legislation, these regulations reflect a decisive shift towards circularity and responsibility in packaging.
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As global supply chains increasingly rely on Asia-Pacific markets, understanding these regulatory developments is critical for brands, suppliers, and consumers alike.
India sets new course for food-contact plastics
India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has taken a significant step by updating the nation’s guidelines for food-contact plastics, permitting the use of recycled PET (rPET) in food packaging from March 2025.
This move supports India’s effort to reduce single-use plastics while tapping into a growing market for recycled materials. Allowing rPET in food packaging is expected to boost local recycling industries and address the mounting challenge of post-consumer plastic waste.
The revised Indian Standard IS 12252:2025 outlines stringent safety measures for recycled plastics in direct food contact, including migration limits, testing protocols, and traceability requirements.
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By GlobalDataThis development positions India as one of the largest markets globally to sanction recycled plastics for food use.
While companies embracing rPET can benefit from cost efficiencies and a reduced environmental footprint, they must comply with comprehensive documentation and quality controls.
This approach is part of India’s broader national strategy to phase out problematic plastic items, building on its 2022 ban on certain single-use plastics such as straws and cutlery.
South-East Asia moves towards harmonised standards
Countries across South-East Asia are rolling out or updating packaging regulations that aim to protect consumer health, reduce litter, and standardise packaging practices.
In Indonesia, the National Standard SNI 8218:2024 for paperboard packaging became mandatory in July 2025, requiring all paperboard intended for food contact to meet new strength, chemical migration, and hygienic processing requirements.
The move aligns with Indonesia’s drive to tackle packaging waste and improve export competitiveness by adhering to international standards.
Meanwhile, Singapore has introduced its Food Safety and Security Bill, passed in January 2025, which marks one of the region’s most comprehensive overhauls of food-contact packaging regulations.
The legislation gives regulators expanded authority over all materials used in food packaging, from plastics to bio-based alternatives, and sets the stage for phased implementation through 2028.
The bill also mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting for packaging, with producers required to disclose the types and volumes of packaging placed on the market as of March 2025.
Thailand, too, is poised for change, with the Ministry of Industry planning to release new rules for food-contact paper packaging by the end of 2025. Although details remain under consultation, draft proposals include strict controls on chemical treatments used in greaseproof papers and new labelling requirements.
This regulatory momentum across South-East Asia reflects a broader trend of governments recognising the crucial link between packaging safety, environmental sustainability, and consumer protection.
Shifting packaging responsibilities drive regional change
The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes and stricter packaging material standards in Asia-Pacific are transforming the business landscape.
By making producers financially and logistically responsible for the end-of-life management of packaging, EPR regulations encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging designs and closed-loop recycling systems.
This model, already in place in parts of Europe, is increasingly viewed by Asian policymakers as a solution to both marine litter and overflowing landfills.
Singapore’s EPR reporting mandate is especially notable in a region where producer responsibility remains uneven.
By requiring brands to account for their packaging footprint, the city-state’s approach creates accountability and data transparency, which experts believe will accelerate the shift towards recyclable and reusable packaging.
Indonesia’s enforcement of standards such as SNI 8218:2024 also signals a growing expectation for uniformity and safety in packaging used for both domestic consumption and exports.
Producers operating in multiple Asian markets will need to adapt to differing timelines and requirements while maintaining compliance with evolving global expectations on recyclability, food safety, and reduced environmental impact.
Looking ahead, these regulations will not only shape packaging design choices but also influence supply chain strategies, investment decisions, and consumer perceptions.
Stakeholders across Asia-Pacific must stay informed and agile to remain competitive in a region where regulatory frameworks are evolving rapidly.
