In the European Union, food-contact materials (FCMs) are strictly regulated to ensure the safety of consumers and the integrity of food products. Plastics, a key component in food packaging, are the only FCMs governed by specific EU-level legislation under Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011, also known as the Plastics Regulation. Here, we break down the framework governing FCMs and focus on what this means for plastic materials used in food applications.
Framework and GMP Regulations
All FCMs, regardless of their type, must comply with the Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, which mandates that materials:
Manufacturers must also adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) under Regulation (EC) No. 2023/2006, ensuring that materials consistently meet quality and safety standards through documented quality control systems.
Plastic-Specific Regulations
The Plastics Regulation introduces stringent rules for plastic FCMs, focusing on:
Substances outside the Plastics Regulation, such as colorants and solvents, must still comply with the Framework Regulation’s general safety standards or individual member state legislation.
Ensuring Compliance: Declarations of Compliance (DOCs)
Manufacturers of plastic FCMs must provide a Declaration of Compliance (DOC) to confirm that products meet EU standards. This document, mandatory throughout the supply chain (except at the retail stage), details the product’s compliance with compositional, migration, and safety requirements.
Despite the harmonization provided by the Plastics Regulation, compliance remains complex due to:
For Plastrans Technologies, which offers advanced polymer solutions, staying abreast of these regulations is crucial. Our focus on biobased polyethylene (Bio-PE) and biobased polypropylene (Bio-PP) aligns with the EU’s drive for sustainable yet compliant food-contact materials. Leveraging expertise in material science and compliance ensures our products meet both safety and sustainability benchmarks.
As industry leaders, we guide our partners through these regulatory landscapes, ensuring they meet market demands while adhering to legal requirements.
The evolving nature of EU regulations for food-contact plastics underscores the importance of innovation paired with compliance.