The use of secondary materials in food packaging is a key element in the implementation of a circular economy for packaging. The use quotas for secondary materials required in other European countries make the use of recycled plastics necessary in the food sector too. However, this is associated with uncertainties regarding the quality of the secondary polymers and the migration behavior of impurities.
With the new Regulation 2022/1616, new recycling processes can be approved by EFSA as "novel technology". This option has already been used by European stakeholders. The use of recycled polystyrene (rPS) behind a functional barrier (so-called ABA structure) in food contact materials is now permitted as a "novel technology" in the EU. In Switzerland, material originating from processes with "novel technology" approval may be used since 01.02.2024. As part of the revision of food law, this has also made it possible to close the loop in Switzerland.
Greiner Packaging AG is an important player in the field of PS packaging in Switzerland. Due to the newly approved technology, Greiner Packaging AG would now like to examine and implement the use of PS recyclate behind a functional barrier, provided that all framework conditions permit this. Various clarifications regarding the regulatory framework, the market situation of secondary polystyrene and the practical implementation are still necessary for the application. realcycle GmbH is supporting Greiner Packaging AG in this project and is taking over the project management in order to enable prompt implementation.
Contact person
Lea Schneider(lea.schneider@realcycle.ch)
Client
Greiner Packaging AG
