Members of the Dutch House of Representatives have received a report on recyclates by Partners for Innovation and Rebel Group, forwarded by Minister Stientje van Veldhoven.

Food safety regulations continue to present significant barriers to the use of recycled materials in food contact applications. To meet the European PPWR targets for 2030, these barriers need to be removed as quickly as possible.

In 2023, Partners for Innovation and Rebel Group prepared an Inventory of Regulatory Barriers to the Use of Recycled Materials in Food Contact Applications. Food contact applications include products such as plates, cups and cutlery. The report was commissioned following a parliamentary motion submitted in 2022 by then Member of Parliament Erik Haverkort. Just before the summer break, Minister Stientje van Veldhoven of the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth forwarded the report and its recommendations to members of the House of Representatives.

The report provides an overview of the existing barriers and contains recommendations on how they can be addressed. While fully recognising the importance of food safety, our analysis found that the current regulatory framework imposes too many obstacles to the use of recycled materials. Key recommendations include accelerating EFSA approval procedures, based on risk assessments for specific product types and their intended use. Part of the solution also lies in standardising materials and colours, which would improve the quality and purity of recyclates.

“It is encouraging to see this report being shared with the House of Representatives,” said Mr. Siem Haffmans of Partners for Innovation. “If these issues are addressed at the European level, much more room can be created for the use of recyclates in packaging, and that is the direction we need to move in together.”

In her accompanying letter to Parliament, Minister Van Veldhoven indicates that she intends to adopt several of the recommendations put forward by Rebel Group and Partners for Innovation.

The full report can be downloaded here.

Story written by: Arne Doornebal, communications specialist and business developer Africa.

Consultant quoted: Siem Haffmans. Partner and expert on sustainable packaging and the PPWR.