Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations food security agency highlights the increasing importance of recycled plastics and alternative packaging in reducing plastic waste. However, it emphasizes the necessity of robust recycling systems to prevent the migration of harmful chemicals into food products. Vittorio Fattori, a food security officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), stated that while improving recycling and reducing plastic pollution are essential goals, precautions are required to avoid inadvertently creating new problems.
Food packaging plays a key role in modern food systems by preserving quality, extending shelf life, and reducing food loss. The market for food packaging is projected to grow from $505 billion in 2024 to over $815 billion by 2030. Despite these benefits, the rise in plastic packaging has raised environmental concerns, especially since less than 10% of global plastic waste has been recycled to date. However, this share is expected to increase as sustainability objectives advance globally.
According to the FAO, food packaging recycling involves complex considerations because these products must comply with strict chemical safety standards. Plastics intended for food contact may contain various substances introduced during manufacturing, such as stabilizers, coatings, pigments, and plasticizers. Additional contamination can occur through inadequate sorting, environmental exposure, or prior consumer use. Recycled plastics have sometimes shown elevated levels of metals, flame retardants, phthalates, and persistent organic pollutants compared to new plastics.
Experts assert that recycled plastics approved for food contact can achieve safety levels equivalent to new plastics when thoroughly cleaned, decontaminated, and subject to regulatory evaluation. In the European Union, authorized recycled materials for food contact must meet the same standards as newly manufactured plastics, underscoring regulatory efforts to protect consumer health.
The analysis also explored alternative packaging materials such as bioplastics, plant fibers, and protein-based substitutes. While often promoted as more sustainable options, the report cautions that "bio-based" does not necessarily mean biodegradable, emphasizing the need for ongoing assessment of their environmental and safety profiles.