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The European Commission adopted a regulation on the use of safe recycled plastics in food packaging

The European Commission has adopted a new regulation to ensure safety of food packaging made of recycled plastics. This new action sets the conditions under which the manufacturers of food contact materials can use recycled plastics.

Regulation (EC) 282/2008 on recycled plastic materials and articles was adopted on 27/03/2008 in order to ensure the safety of food packaging made of recycled plastics. The present Regulation:

- Sets the conditions under which the manufacturers of food contact materials [1] can use recycled plastics.
- Aims to create a more efficient and practical system for regulating the use of recycled plastics in food packaging.
- Will guarantee EU consumers that only safe recycled plastic will reach the market.
- Will help Europe’s packaging and food industry to contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources as well as achieve the targets for

Until now, national rules regarding food contact materials were lacking or divergent. They ranged from a ban on recycled plastic in contact with food, to authorization schemes or recommendations. The Regulation is now harmonizing these rules at European level.

For further information

- European Commission
- Regulation (EC) 282/2008
- Food Contact Materials

Footnotes

[1] Food contact materials: Those intended or reasonably expected to come into contact with food. They included food packaging, but also machines for food manufacturing and household ware. These materials should not release into the food substances that may pose a risk to human health

Last modified on April 18 2008.

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