Guidance for recycled plastics in contact with food

A coalition of leading industry groups from across the European plastics and beverage sectors has published a guidance document to support waste management operators and sorters in complying with strict new EU food safety requirements for recycled plastics.

The initiative, led by EuPC, Expra, Epro, Nmwe, Petcore Europe and Unesda, offers detailed support for implementing third-party certification of quality assurance systems, as required under Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2022/1616. This regulation governs the use of recycled plastic materials and articles intended for food contact. Certification is a key step in ensuring safety and traceability throughout the PET value chain.

Simple language

The guidance provides a practical interpretation of the legal obligations, turning complex regulatory language into actionable steps for the collection, sorting, and pre-processing stages of recycling. It is designed to help recyclers and other stakeholders meet stringent EU standards while maintaining efficiency and consistency in their operations.

‘This guidance is the result of extensive collaboration among experts in food contact regulation, waste management, recycling, conversion and packaging,’ says Raphael Jaumotte, technical manager at Petcore Europe, who coordinated the effort. ‘We developed it to support businesses in meeting the relevant EU requirements and ensuring the safety of PET used in food contact applications.’

Equivalence

In addition to EU-based operators, the guidance clarifies that non-EU recyclers must demonstrate equivalent compliance with European food contact regulations, ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders engaged in the supply of recycled materials for food-grade use in the EU.

The initiative signals the PET industry’s broader commitment to high-quality recycling, safety, and circularity within the European market.