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Recycled plastics for food use require stronger safeguards, warn UN food security experts
Recycled plastics could help reduce the world’s growing waste crisis, but only if food packaging is carefully regulated to prevent contamination, according to a new analysis from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The UN food security agency warns that recycled plastics and alternative packaging materials can help reduce waste, but only if recycling systems are carefully managed to prevent harmful chemicals migrating into food.
“Plastic waste is a growing global problem. Better and more effective recycling is fundamental and is part of the solution,” said Vittorio Fattori, a food security officer at FAO.
“While we need to be better at reducing plastic pollution and improving recycling, we need to make sure that by trying to solve one problem in one area, we don't create new ones.”
Food packaging plays a central role in modern food systems by preserving quality, extending shelf life and reducing food loss. The sector is growing rapidly, with the market projected to grow from an estimated $505 billion in 2024 to more than $815 billion by 2030.
Yet the growth of plastic packaging has fuelled environmental concerns. Less than 10 per cent of global plastic waste has been recycled so far, although that share is expected to rise as countries pursue sustainability goals.
“Plastic waste is a growing global problem. Better and more effective recycling is fundamental and is part of the solution,” said Vittorio Fattori, a food security officer at FAO.
“While we need to be better at reducing plastic pollution and improving recycling, we need to make sure that by trying to solve one problem in one area, we don't create new ones.”
Food packaging plays a central role in modern food systems by preserving quality, extending shelf life and reducing food loss. The sector is growing rapidly, with the market projected to grow from an estimated $505 billion in 2024 to more than $815 billion by 2030.
Yet the growth of plastic packaging has fuelled environmental concerns. Less than 10 per cent of global plastic waste has been recycled so far, although that share is expected to rise as countries pursue sustainability goals.
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