,The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced its support for the trade in recycled plastics used in food packaging as part of efforts to improve environmental sustainability in the food system. The agency emphasises that while food packaging is essential for safety and preventing spoilage, the UK still produces over two million tonnes of plastic packaging annually, much of it single-use, short-lived, and environmentally harmful. To address this, the UK government has designated the FSA as the competent authority under relevant European Union regulations governing recycled plastic materials intended for food contact. In this role, the FSA will enable UK plastic recyclers to continue supplying recycled plastic to the EU market by ensuring compliance with safety and trade standards. This includes inspecting recycling facilities and implementing a consistent auditing programme across Great Britain, reinforcing consumer protection while helping the domestic recycling industry retain access to valuable markets. The move is framed as both an environmental and economic initiative, supporting sustainable packaging use, reducing waste, and contributing to industry growth. The FSA will collaborate with industry partners to make this transition successful.
Consumer News Region