Info session: Guidance on mechanical PET recycling

Background

On 10 October 2022, Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 entered into force, providing a new legal basis for recycled plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foods.

The regulation sets out new definitions and concepts for the recycling of food contact materials (FCMs) and establishes the procedure (including certain data requirements) for the preparation of applications for the authorisation of recycling processes. In addition, it also sets out suitable technologies and defines if recycling processes are subject to individual authorisations.

In this regulatory context, EFSA is publishing a scientific guidance document for post-consumer mechanical PET recycling. The document describes the evaluation criteria and the scientific evaluation approach EFSA will use to evaluate the decontamination capability of recycling processes as well as the information required to be included in an application dossier. The publication of this guidance document, planned for summer 2024, will be accompanied by new administrative guidance for the preparation of applications on recycling processes.

Objectives of the meeting

This in-person event is intended to serve as a platform for disseminating the content of the guidance document, providing stakeholders with insights on the evaluation criteria and scientific evaluation approach for mechanical PET recycling processes as well as requirements for the application dossiers.

A specific slot during the info session, as well as a dedicated info corner, will offer an opportunity to receive information on the pre-submission activities, the submission of an application and the support initiatives available to applicants. Additionally, updates on risk management matters related to recycling will be provided by the European Commission.

To ensure alignment with stakeholders’ interests, we will shape the programme also based on any questions, suggestions, and clarification needs collected through the registration form.

Who should attend?

The event is intended for all interested stakeholders with expertise in the recycling of plastics for food contact material use, with specific attention to applicants who have submitted or intend to submit an application for evaluation of a mechanical PET recycling process in the context of Regulation (EU) 2022/1616. Participation is limited to a maximum of 65 participants, including speakers and other experts already identified by EFSA. Further selection will ensure a sufficient representation of the various fields of expertise, as well as representation of stakeholder groups and geographical balance.

Registration form

The registration form can be found here.

Please note that registration may close once the maximum number of participants is reached or, at the latest, by 19 July 2024 at 24:00 CEST.

After closure of registration, potential participants will be informed whether they have been selected for participation.

Organisational details

The event will take place in Brussels, Belgium on 12 September 2024 from 09:00 to 13:00 CEST. Further details will be communicated to the selected participants. English will be the language of the event, and no translation will be provided.

There is no fee for participation. However, participants are required to cover expenses related to travel and accommodation.
The event is intended for in-person participation only. Online attendance or web streaming will not be available.

Contact

Do not hesitate to contact the organising committee at events [at] efsa.europa.eu (events[at]efsa[dot]europa[dot]eu) for more information.