Chemical migration and microplastics shedding from recycled plastic food contact materials pose potential food safety concerns. Biopolymer risks are also not yet fully understood. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is considering developing guidance on recycled materials used in food packaging.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has determined the food safety of plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) when produced by a recycling process called Poly Recycling for use in food contact materials.
A new partnership between Sealed Air, ExxonMobil, and Ahold Delhaize USA aims to increase the use of recycled materials in food packaging while maintaining food safety and quality standards.
Many food companies have made commitments to increase the use of recycled plastics in their packaging within the next 10 years. As this demand increases, there is more interest in chemical recycling, but first, we must understand current reprocessing capabilities and possible safety issues with the use of chemical recycled plastics in food packaging.
