Published on: 2026-05-14
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Governments and industries around the world are betting on recycled plastic as a way to contain the global crisis of waste. But turning old plastic into new food packaging is associated with certain problems: it cannot be guaranteed that the material is safe enough for direct contact with food products.
A new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warns: recycled plastics and alternative packaging materials can indeed help reduce waste quantities, but only when recycling systems are carefully designed to prevent the migration of harmful chemical substances into food.
“Plastic waste is a growing global problem. Higher quality and more efficient recycling is a fundamental part of the solution,” emphasized Vittorio Fattori, a specialist in food quality and safety at FAO. “At the same time, we must ensure that, in trying to solve one problem in one area, we do not create new problems in another.”
Food packaging plays a key role in modern food systems: it helps preserve quality, extend shelf life, and reduce product loss and spoilage. The market is rapidly growing: from $505.27 billion in 2024 to a projected $815.51 billion in 2030.
The rise in popularity of plastic packaging fuels a growing pollution problem: worldwide, no more than 10 percent of plastics are recycled.
Complexities of the processing procedure
Unlike many other recycled products, food packaging must comply with strict chemical safety standards. Plastic containers and wrappers contain thousands of substances used in the production process. During recycling, additional contaminants can enter the stream due to improper sorting, environmental exposure, or previous use by consumers.
Studies show that recycled plastic may contain substances such as metals, flame retardants, phthalates, and persistent organic pollutants – sometimes at higher concentrations than in virgin plastic.
At the same time, experts emphasize: recycled plastic approved for contact with food can be just as safe as new plastic if it undergoes thorough cleaning, deactivation, and regulatory inspection. For example, in the European Union, authorized recycled materials must comply with the same standards as primary plastic.
“The application of circular economy principles is important, it is a fundamental issue. But it must be done correctly,” said Fattori.
New materials – new questions
The report also contains the results of the analysis of alternative packaging materials, including bioplastic, plant fibers, and protein-based materials, which are increasingly promoted as more environmentally friendly substitutes for traditional plastic.
Biological basis does not always mean biodegradability. Some materials produced from natural products, such as corn or sugar cane, are chemically similar to plastic made from fossil fuels, whereas others are developed to decompose only under certain conditions.
The authors of the report warn that plant-based packaging may carry risks associated with its agricultural origin, including pesticide residues, natural toxins, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. Protein-based materials can also contribute to the migration of allergens, such as gluten, into food.
As in traditional plastics, chemical additives are used in many alternatives to improve properties.
The conclusion is unambiguous: alternatives can help reduce the amount of plastic waste, but in this case, a strict safety assessment is still necessary.
Microplastics are insufficiently studied
The report also touches on the growing public concern about microplastics and nanoplastics found in food and drink products. Scientists have detected tiny plastic particles in human blood, lungs, breast milk, and placenta. Despite public alarm, authorities still do not have reliable and standardized methods for detecting and measuring these particles, which complicates the assessment of health risks.
The document notes that the recycling enterprises themselves can also contribute to the pollution of products with microplastics, especially during mechanical recycling, when plastic is broken into small fragments.
“It is necessary to start with well-controlled processing procedures, including cleaning and removal of chemical contaminants,” said Fattori.
On the way to a harmonized international standard
It is expected that the conclusions of the report will help continue the discussion within the framework of the “Codex Alimentarius” Commission – an international body for the standardization of food products, established by FAO and the World Health Organization.
The report notes that countries apply different regulatory approaches to recycled plastic, creating potential problems for trade and consumer protection. According to the research data, harmonized global standards will help ensure reliable, scientifically based risk assessment while simultaneously supporting countries’ efforts to reduce plastic waste.
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