United Nations food safety experts have stated that while recycled plastics and alternative packaging materials can help reduce waste, their use is contingent upon carefully managed recycling systems that prevent harmful chemicals from migrating into food. Vittorio Fattori, a food safety officer at the FAO, emphasized, “Plastic waste is becoming a global issue. Better and more effective recycling is fundamental and part of the solution.” He added, “While we need to get better at reducing plastic pollution and improving recycling, we must ensure that in trying to solve one problem, we do not create new ones.”
In modern food systems, packaging plays a crucial role in preserving quality, extending shelf life, and minimizing food loss. This sector is experiencing rapid growth, with market projections indicating an increase from an estimated $505 billion in 2024 to over $815 billion by 2030. However, the expansion of plastic packaging has amplified environmental concerns. Currently, less than 10% of global plastic waste is recycled, a figure expected to rise as nations pursue sustainability goals.
A Complex Recycling Stream
Unlike many other recycled products, food packaging must adhere to stringent chemical safety standards. Food containers and packaging can contain thousands of substances used during manufacturing, such as stabilizers, coatings, pigments, and plasticizers. Additional contaminants can emerge during the recycling process through improper sorting, environmental exposure, or previous consumer use. FAO analysis indicates that recycled plastics may contain higher levels of substances like metals, flame retardants, phthalates, and persistent organic pollutants compared to virgin plastics. Experts stress that recycled plastics approved for food use can be as safe as virgin plastics when subjected to rigorous cleaning, decontamination, and regulatory scrutiny. For instance, authorized recycled food-contact materials in the European Union (EU) must meet the same standards as new plastics. Fattori highlighted, “The report’s main finding is that while recycled plastic and alternative food-contact materials can offer environmental benefits, they also raise some significant food safety questions. It is important, it is fundamental, to implement circular economy principles. But it must be done correctly.”
New Materials, New Questions
The analysis also examines alternative packaging materials, including bioplastics, plant fibers, and protein-based materials, which are increasingly promoted as more sustainable substitutes for conventional plastics. However, not all “bio-based” materials are necessarily biodegradable. Some materials derived from renewable sources, like corn or sugarcane, are chemically similar to fossil fuel-based plastics, while others degrade only under specific conditions. The report cautions that plant-based packaging may introduce agricultural risks, such as pesticide residues, toxins, and heavy metals. Protein-based materials can also allow allergens like gluten to migrate into food. Similar to traditional plastics, many alternatives rely on chemical additives to enhance performance, and some still lack sufficient long-term safety data.
Microplastics Remain Poorly Understood
The analysis addresses the growing public concern over microplastics and nanoplastics found in food and beverages. Scientists have confirmed widespread exposure, detecting tiny plastic particles in human blood, lungs, breast milk, and placentas. However, regulators lack reliable and harmonized methods to consistently detect and measure these particles, making it challenging to assess the precise 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 pieces. “It all has to start with well-controlled recycling processes, including the cleaning and removal of chemical contaminants,” said Fattori.
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). The report points out that countries currently apply differing regulatory approaches to recycled plastics and food-contact materials, creating challenges for trade and consumer protection. “Our role is primarily to provide support to countries in harmonizing regulations concerning food safety implications related to packaging materials,” Fattori stated. According to the report, harmonized global standards would assist countries in reducing their plastic waste while also helping them strengthen their science-based food safety systems.
