Phoenix Technologies International's recycled PET now has the backing of the European Food Safety Authority.
The independent agency, funded by the European Union budget, said recycled PET obtained from the company's manufacturing process based on its extra small particle size technology “is not considered of safety concern.”
Bowling Green, Ohio-based Phoenix Technologies sought the review due to the global nature of its business.
“The reason Phoenix pursued this certification is because many of our [recycled] PET customers are large global brand owners who sell their products into the European marketplace. This certification gives them an additional comfort level that rPET produced via this process can be used as an ‘up to' 100 percent replacement for virgin PET without any safety issues,” said Lori Carson, director of commercial operations, in a statement.
The company previously received letters of no objection for the recycled PET small particle process from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and Health Canada.
Phoenix Technologies, which makes recycled PET from post-consumer flake, is part of Plastic Technologies Inc. of Holland, Ohio.
The authority's Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids made the recycling process safety assessment, Phoenix Technologies said.
Recycled PET resin from Phoenix Technologies is used to make containers and bottles for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, shampoos, soaps and detergents, the company said. The company's resins also are used for non-food items such as strapping and carpeting.
