Food safety implications of recycled plastics and alternative food contact materials
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Food contact materials (FCMs) are essential to preserve food quality and reduce food waste, with over two-thirds of all packaging materials produced being used by the food and beverage sector. The widespread use of plastic-based FCMs has fuelled a global plastic waste crisis, driven by low recycling rates and uncontrolled or unregulated disposal. As sustainability efforts accelerate, recycled plastics and alternative materials are gaining attention; however, their use in food packaging raises critical food safety questions.This report examines key food safety considerations for recycled FCMs. It highlights the chemical risks associated with recycled plastics, including contaminants migration, intentionally and non-intentionally added substances and unknown compounds. Beyond chemical migration, emerging concerns, such as micro- and nanoplastics in food, further complicate regulatory decision-making. The document also explores potential food safety issues related to bioplastics and smart packaging – innovations that help achieve sustainability and improve functionality but introduce new safety considerations tied to feedstock properties and added chemicals.Closing data gaps on the identification of migrating contaminants, developing realistic chemical exposure scenarios for FCMs use building traceability systems, and harmonizing global regulatory frameworks specific to recycled FCMs and bio-based alternatives will assist in developing a sound scientific risk assessment process, keep pace with innovation and help in meeting existing and future global plastic waste reduction targets.The authors trust that this report provides relevant information to support the development of international guidance on food safety aspects of recycled plastics and FCMs made from renewable resources.