Borealis’ Borcycle M recycled plastics cleared for use in food-grade packaging

Vienna-based Borealis has received letters of no objection (LNOs) from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regarding using specific grades of its Borcycle M mechanically recycled postconsumer plastics (PCR) in food-grade packaging. The FDA’s LNOs pave the way for Borcycle M-derived materials to be used in a specific range of applications, including cosmetics and personal care and food-contact packaging.

The FDA has issued two LNOs that allow Borcycle M recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) to be used up to 100 percent in certain dry food-contact applications. Additionally, these recycled materials can constitute up to 10 percent of packaging for dry foods with surface oil and moist bakery products. The FDA’s LNOs are effective from January for recycled HDPE and from February for recycled PP.

“Our customers will be able to expand the use of value-added, recycled plastics within their portfolios,” says Jonatas Melo, Borealis vice president for performance materials. “Combined with all of Borealis’ other sustainable offerings, this FDA clearance of selected grades of our Borcycle M portfolio for food-grade applications will help them achieve their sustainability targets and bring us all closer to a fully circular economy for plastics.”

Borealis is poised to move forward with the development of selected food packaging applications from recycled HDPE and PP.

“This marks a major milestone for Borealis, helping us to live our purpose of reinventing essentials for sustainable living,” says Mirjam Mayer, Borealis vice president, circular economy solutions.

The FDA’s LNOs apply in the United States and in other regions covered by FDA governance. In the EU, the FDA clearance will facilitate conversations on the use of these materials in high-end, contact-sensitive applications such as cosmetics and personal care packaging.