Public Consultation on Recycled PET Packaging for Food Contact Materials PET-PCR

The Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) has launched a public consultation on the proposed regulatory framework for post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET-PCR) food-grade packaging materials. The consultation aims to revise the current sanitary requirements for these materials used in packaging that come into contact with food.

The proposed regulation is the result of ongoing negotiations within the Mercosur bloc and seeks to update the sanitary requirements for the recycling of post-consumer PET. This includes the incorporation of new parameters for chemical recycling processes. The new framework is designed to ensure that recycled PET meets stringent health standards while facilitating trade within Mercosur by harmonizing technical regulations.

Key Details of the Proposed Regulation:

• Consultation Period: March 28, 2025 – May 19, 2025

• Regulation Title: Requirements for Food-Grade Recycled PET Packaging (PET-PCR) for Food Contact

• Motivation: The proposal addresses advancements in chemical recycling technologies, ensuring the safety of recycled PET materials used in food contact packaging.
• Public Participation: Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation by submitting their contributions through the provided form. The feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final regulatory text, aligning it with international standards, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of recycled PET in food packaging applications.

The MERCOSUR Regulatory Technical Regulation (RTM) on PET-PCR, which aims to replace the existing Resolution GMC 30/07, includes several important aspects regarding the safety and approval process for recycled PET used in food packaging.

• Regulation Scope: The updated regulation addresses recycled PET derived from post-consumer materials and industrial waste, focusing on ensuring the safety of recycled products intended for food contact.

• Approval and Compliance: The regulation requires the approval of both the recycling process and the establishments producing PET-PCR food-grade materials. It includes guidelines on contamination, process validation, and the quality assurance measures needed to ensure that recycled PET materials do not pose a health risk.

• Safety Standards: The proposed regulation sets clear limits for contaminants and requires the recycling process to meet stringent decontamination standards. This includes the validation of physical and chemical recycling technologies and the use of safety protocols that ensure the quality of the final products.

For more detailed information, the full documentation of the Regulatory Technical Regulation MERCOSUR on Recycled PET Packaging is available here (in Portughese). 

Accessing the Consultation: For more details and to submit contributions, access the consultation documents and submission forms can be found here (In Portughese).