US backs Borealis’ PCR products for food contact

Austrian chemical outfit Borealis has won US approval for the use of its post-consumer recycled product Borcycle M in food-grade packaging.

The company has announced that it has received Letters of No Objection (LNOs) from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) concerning the use of certain HDPE and PP grades.

It says the LNOs pave the way for Borcycle M-derived materials to be used in specific applications in the US, including cosmetics and personal care as well as food contact. It hopes the approval will persuade the EU to follow suit.

Certain applications

Under the ruling, up to 100% of PCR high-density polyethylene and polypropylene can be used in certain dry food contact applications. They can also constitute up to 10% of packaging for dry foods with surface oil and moist bakery products.

‘Our customers will be able to expand the use of value-added, recycled plastics within their portfolios,’ says Jonatas Melo, Borealis vp for Performance Materials. ‘This FDA clearance of selected grades of our Borcycle M portfolio for food-grade applications will help them achieve their sustainability targets and bring us all closer to a fully circular economy for plastics.’