Recycled plastic materials
Plastic is one of the most common materials used for food and drink packaging or containers, known as food contact materials (FCMs). Some plastics can be recycled for reuse in FCMs.
Recycled plastic FCMs are made from plastic waste using many different processes and technologies.
Recycled plastic FCMs can pose risks to human health due to contamination with substances from a previous use and/or from other waste.
See also:
• Food contact materials
• Non-plastic food contact materials
• Active and intelligent food contact materials
EFSA's role
EFSA’s scientists assess the safety of each process to recycle plastic and its use in the production of food contact materials (FCMs).
Our scientists ensure that FCMs made from recycled plastic do not raise concerns for human health, according to their intended uses and any specific restrictions.
The European Commission and EU Member States decide on whether to approve recycling processes for use for FCMs, based on EFSA’s safety assessment.
All approved recycling processes can be found in the EU register.
We also provide scientific advice on whether new technologies are suitable for use in plastic recycling processes.
EU Framework
New EU rules for recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods came into force on 10 October 2022 in Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616.
Good Manufacturing Practices for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food are described in Regulation EC 2023/2006.
General requirements for all FCMs are laid down in Framework Regulation EC 1935/2004.
See also:
• Plastic recycling – European Commission
• EU legislation on food contact materials – European Commission
For applicants:
We have published guidance documents to support applicants in submitting information for our safety evaluations.
• Helpdesk: Food contact materials applications
• Food contact material applications: regulations and guidance
• Food contact material applications: frequently asked questions