Safety assessment of the process ‘Pokas Arcadian Recycle Ltd’ used to recycle polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) articles for use as food contact material

This scientific opinion of the EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids deals with the safety assessment of the recycling process ‘Pokas Arcadian Recycle Ltd’ (EU register No RECYC130). According to the applicant, the input to the process is polypropylene (PP) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) used or intended to be used for the packaging of food. In this process, PP or HDPE pieces are sorted, ground into flakes, washed and dried before being extruded into granules. The recycled plastics are intended for a wide variety of food contact applications. Having examined the information provided, the Panel concluded that the process ‘Pokas Arcadian Recycle Ltd’ is not sufficiently characterised. Based on the information submitted to EFSA, the applicant has not demonstrated in a challenge test or by other appropriate evidence, that the recycling process ‘Pokas Arcadian Recycle Ltd’ is able to reduce any contamination of the PP and HDPE input to a concentration that does not pose a risk to human health.