EFSA approval PET recycling – EFSA Approval Confirms EREMA PET Recycling Technology Strengthens Food Safety Compliance and Supports Europe’s Ambitious Recycled Content Targets for Packaging by 2030 18-12-2025
EFSA approval PET recycling
EFSA Approval Strengthens Confidence in EREMA PET Recycling Technology
EFSA approval for EREMA PET recycling technology marks an important milestone for food-grade recycled plastics in Europe. EREMA has received positive opinions from the European Food Safety Authority for its VACUREMA and VACUNITE technologies under Regulation (EU) 1616/2022, the EU’s latest and most stringent framework for recycled plastics used in food contact applications.
This confirmation demonstrates that EREMA’s systems meet the highest standards for decontamination efficiency, process validation, and traceability. As demand for food-grade recycled PET continues to grow, EFSA approval PET recycling decisions like this play a crucial role in building trust across the packaging value chain.
Why Regulation 1616/2022 Matters for Food-Grade rPET
Regulation 1616/2022 significantly raises the bar for PET recycling processes compared with the previous Regulation 282/2008. While earlier approvals remain valid, the new regulation introduces tighter requirements for challenge testing, contamination modelling, and proof of consistent process performance.
For companies producing food-contact packaging, EFSA approval PET recycling under this regulation provides stronger regulatory certainty. This is especially relevant as the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will require 30 percent recycled content in contact-sensitive PET packaging by 2030. Without validated technologies, meeting these targets would be difficult.
Strategic Decision to Seek EFSA Approval Under Stricter Rules
EREMA chose to proactively validate its PET recycling technologies under Regulation 1616/2022, even though approvals under the earlier framework remain in force. According to the company, this decision reflects a long-term commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory leadership.
The updated requirements demand extensive validation and transparent documentation. Recent challenge tests confirmed the strong decontamination performance of EREMA’s VACUREMA systems and also helped optimize key process parameters. As a result, EFSA approval PET recycling now confirms that these technologies are ready for both current and future regulatory demands.
Four Positive EFSA Opinions for VACUREMA Technology
Under Regulation 1616/2022, EFSA issued four positive opinions covering a range of EREMA PET recycling solutions. These include VACUREMA Basic, which has dedicated approvals for bottle and PET sheet applications, providing clarity for converters serving different markets.
VACUREMA Advanced adds a second reactor with an integrated crystallisation dryer. This configuration enables additional intrinsic viscosity build-up, supporting higher performance requirements for demanding food-contact applications. VACUNITE combines VACUREMA technology with vacuum-assisted solid-state polycondensation under nitrogen, delivering excellent IV stability and improved colour values.
Each of these systems contributes to consistent output quality, a key factor behind EFSA approval PET recycling under the stricter regulation.
Process Technologies That Support Food-Contact Compliance
EREMA attributes the strong EFSA results to a combination of SafeFlake vacuum pretreatment and EcoGentle plasticising technology. Together, these process steps ensure reliable decontamination while minimizing thermal stress on the material.
Stable intrinsic viscosity and controlled processing conditions are critical for producing high-quality food-grade rPET. The EFSA approval PET recycling opinions confirm that these technologies deliver consistent performance across different operating conditions, supporting both bottle-to-bottle and sheet applications.
The separate EFSA opinions for bottle and sheet applications also simplify compliance for customers, particularly those focused on PET sheet production for thermoformed food packaging.
Demonstrating Compliance Under Real-World Conditions
To secure EFSA approval, EREMA conducted extensive challenge tests in collaboration with an independent institute. These tests are designed to simulate worst-case contamination scenarios by deliberately contaminating PET flakes with a defined mixture of chemicals.
The contaminated material is then processed using VACUREMA or VACUNITE systems. Samples are taken at multiple stages, including input material, melt, and finished granulate. These samples are analysed to calculate decontamination efficiency and confirm compliance with EFSA safety thresholds.
EFSA approval PET recycling requires full traceability, realistic process settings, and robust documentation. The tests were designed to reflect real industrial production, ensuring that customers can rely on the results in daily operations.
Technology-Level Approval Benefits Global Customers
All EFSA opinions were submitted directly by EREMA, meaning the approvals apply to the technology itself rather than to individual recycling plants. This approach allows customers worldwide to license approved VACUREMA or VACUNITE systems and produce food-safe rPET without undergoing additional validation steps.
This significantly reduces time to market and regulatory complexity for recyclers and brand owners. EFSA approval PET recycling at the technology level also ensures consistency across installations, strengthening confidence among regulators and end users alike.
Preparing the Industry for PPWR Recycled Content Targets
With Regulation 1616/2022 compliance secured, EREMA customers are well positioned to meet future EU packaging requirements. The 30 percent recycled content target for contact-sensitive PET packaging by 2030 will require reliable access to food-grade rPET at scale.
EFSA approval PET recycling technologies such as VACUREMA and VACUNITE provide a clear pathway to achieving these goals. By combining regulatory compliance, process efficiency, and high material quality, EREMA supports the transition toward a more circular plastics economy.
Key Takeaway for the PET Recycling Market
EFSA approval for EREMA PET recycling technology confirms that advanced recycling systems can meet the EU’s toughest food-contact standards. As regulations tighten and sustainability targets rise, validated technologies will be essential for securing supply, protecting consumers, and enabling long-term growth in food-grade rPET markets.
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