Polyolefins, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), make up over half of all plastic packaging. To meet the UK Plastics Pact target of 30% average recycled content across all plastic packaging by 2025, and to prepare for the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements for recycled content in plastic packaging by 2030, it’s vital that recycled polyolefins can be safely used in sensitive applications, including direct food contact.
WRAP, with funding from Innovate UK, has led a three-year project to develop a standardised challenge test for polyolefins. This work helps recyclers and packaging producers demonstrate that their processes remove contaminants effectively, enabling the production of safe, high-quality recycled materials suitable for food and other regulated uses.
The reports provide:
- A comprehensive review of existing regulatory frameworks in the UK, EU and US.
- Evidence on the types and sources of contamination in post-consumer polyolefins.
- A step-by-step testing protocol, refined through trials, that recyclers can adopt to show process safety.
- Supporting guidance on surrogate selection, batch preparation, decontamination performance, and analytical methods.
Why it matters
- For industry: Clear guidance to support applications for regulatory approval.
- For policy makers: A practical route to scaling safe recycled content in packaging.
- For consumers: Greater confidence that recycled plastic packaging is safe and sustainable.
Access the full report and the industry guidance below.
Download files
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Development of a challenge test for polyolefins project report
PDF, 2.33 MB
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Guidance for industry evaluating the performance of polyolefin decontamination processes for contact sensitive applications
PDF, 1.01 MB
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