The UN food safety agency warns that recycled plastics and alternative packaging materials can help reduce waste, but only if recycling systems are carefully managed to prevent harmful chemicals from migrating into food.
“Plastic waste is a growing global problem. Better and more efficient recycling is fundamental and part of the solution,said Vittorio Fattori, head of food security at FAO.
“While we need to do a better job of reducing plastic pollution and improving recycling, we need to make sure that in trying to solve a problem in one area, we don’t create new ones.»
Food packaging plays a central role in modern food systems by preserving quality, extending shelf life and reducing food loss. The sector is growing rapidly, with the market expected to grow from around $505 billion in 2024 to over $815 billion by 2030.
Yet the growth of plastic packaging has fueled environmental concerns. So far, less than 10% of global plastic waste has been recycledalthough this share is expected to increase as countries pursue their sustainability goals.
Steps in plastic recycling for food contact materials – food safety considerations.
A complex recycling sector
Unlike many other recycled products, food packaging must meet strict chemical safety standards.
Plastic food containers and packaging can contain thousands of substances used during manufacturing, including stabilizers, coatings, pigments and plasticizers. Additional contaminants may enter during the recycling process due to improper sorting, environmental exposure, or prior consumer use.
The FAO analysis also found that recycled plastics may contain higher levels of substances such as metals, flame retardants, phthalates and persistent organic pollutants than newly produced plastics.
Experts emphasize that recycled plastics approved for food use can be as safe as virgin plastics when subjected to rigorous cleaning, decontamination and regulatory review. In the European Union (EU), for example, permitted recycled materials intended to come into contact with food must meet the same standards as new plastics.
“The main conclusion of the report is: While recycled plastic and alternative food contact materials can offer environmental benefits, they can also raise important food safety questions.“, said Mr. Fattori.
“Apply [the principles of a] the circular economy is important, it is fundamental. But it has to be done well. »
New materials, new questions
The analysis also examines alternative packaging materials, including bioplastics, plant fibers and protein-based materials, which are increasingly being touted as more sustainable replacements for conventional plastics.
But “biosourced” does not always mean biodegradable. Some materials from renewable sources, such as corn or sugar cane, are chemically similar to plastics from fossil fuels, while others only decompose under specific conditions.
The report warns that plant-based packaging can pose agriculture-related risks, including pesticide residues, toxins and heavy metals. Protein-based materials can also allow allergens, such as gluten, to migrate into food.
Like conventional plastics, many alternatives also rely on chemical additives to improve performance and some still lack sufficient long-term safety data.
Plastic is collected for recycling in the South African city of Johannesburg.
Misunderstood microplastics
The analysis also addresses growing public concerns about microplastics and nanoplastics in food and beverages. Scientists have detected tiny plastic particles in human blood, lungs, breast milk and placenta, confirming widespread exposure.
But regulators lack reliable and harmonized methods to systematically detect and measure these particles, making it difficult to clearly assess the risks to human health.
The report notes that recycling facilities themselves can contribute to microplastic pollution, particularly during mechanical recycling processes that break down plastics into smaller fragments.
“It all needs to start with well-controlled recycling processes, including cleaning and removal of chemical contaminants,” said Mr. Fattori.
Many plastic products, such as beverage bottles, are intended for single use.
Towards global standards
The findings are expected to inform ongoing discussions within the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standards body established by the FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Countries currently apply different regulatory approaches to recycled plastics and food contact materials, creating challenges for trade and consumer protection, the report notes.
“Our role is to provide support to countries in terms of, firstly, harmonizing regulations on food safety implications related to packaging materials,” said Mr. Fattori.
According to the report, harmonized global standards would help countries strengthen their science-based food safety systems while helping them reduce plastic waste.
