Scientific Opinion on the safety evaluation of the process “Schoeller Arca Systems”, used to recycle polypropylene and high-density polyethylene crates for use as food contact material
Meta data
Competing interests: One member of the Panel did not participate in the discussion on the subject referred to above because of potential conflicts of interest identified in accordance with the EFSA policy on declarations of interests.
Abstract
This scientific opinion of the EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids deals with the safety evaluation of the recycling process “Schoeller Arca Systems”, EC register number RECYC075. The process recycles damaged food contact re-usable polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) crates which have been used in a closed and controlled product loop into new recycled crates. Through this process, damaged crates are firstly ground into flakes which are further blended with virgin PP or HDPE or used at 100 % to manufacture new recycled PP and HDPE crates. The CEF Panel concluded that the input of the process “Schoeller Arca Systems” originates from a product loop which is in a closed and controlled chain ensuring that only materials and articles which have been intended for food contact are used and that any contamination can be ruled out when run under the conditions described by the applicant. The Panel considered that the repeated grinding and injection moulding of PP and HDPE crates, which is part of the recycling process, under conditions described by the applicant, is not of safety concern. Therefore the recycling process “Schoeller Arca Systems” is able to produce recycled PP and HDPE suitable for manufacturing crates intended to be used in contact at room temperature or below with meat, whole fruits and vegetables as requested by the applicant.