PLASTICS Releases Comprehensive Guidance on Recycled Plastic Food Packaging Compliance

PLASTICS has issued a comprehensive guidance document that clarifies how recycled plastic packaging can meet and exceed U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for food‑contact materials (FCM).

Developed over a two‑year collaboration between member companies and PLASTICS’ regulatory experts, the guidance comes from the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Packaging Materials Committee (FDCPMC). The committee, composed of representatives from all plastics sectors, works to protect consumers while fostering economic growth and global trade in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

• Food Contact Status
• Microbiological Contamination
• Kosher and Halal Compliance
• Nanotechnology

George Southworth, PLASTICS Senior Director for the Processors and Brand Owners Advisory Group: “As recyclers know, federal requirements for post‑consumer recycled plastics in food‑contact applications can be extremely complex. This guidance is the result of a collaborative effort with our valued members and will provide clarity in understanding and writing compliance statements for recycled material in food packaging.”

Phil Berrier, Product Safety & Compliance and Analytical Services Leader at Printpack, Inc.: “We are a company that values both community citizenship and innovations that improve customer and consumer experiences, so we’ve been actively advocating for expanding access to high‑quality recycled plastics. The guidance we created will further open supply‑chain collaboration for food‑safe recycled materials so food packaging converters can keep up with downstream demand and brand owners can confidently promote their products.”