PET industry defines requirements for recycled food contact materials
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The European PET value chain has published a new industry-wide guide to help companies certify their quality assurance systems to comply with Article 6 of EU Regulation 2022/1616 on recycled plastics for food contact. The publication is the result of a joint initiative by EuPC, Expra, EPRO, NMWE, Petcore Europe and Unesda.
The guideline “Requirements for a Quality Assurance System implementing Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 2022/1616” is primarily aimed at those involved in the collection, sorting and final pre-treatment of plastic waste that is to be returned to food contact. The aim is to define clear and implementable requirements for certification by independent third parties, as has been mandatory under Article 6(3) of the Regulation since October 10, 2024.
According to the coordinator of the initiative, Raphael Jaumotte from Petcore Europe, the guidelines were developed through collaboration between experts from the fields of food contact materials, waste management, recycling and packaging technology. It is intended to serve as a practical tool to ensure the legally required traceability and safety of recycled plastics.
According to the understanding, the guidelines do not represent a legal interpretation, but are intended to provide the market players concerned with a uniform interpretation and basis for implementation. The responsibility for the specific design of the waste management plans remains with the competent national authorities.
