FOOD PACKAGING: MATERIAL REGENERATION

The transformation of food packaging is accelerating under the combined effect of European regulatory requirements, societal expectations and health and safety imperatives. Faced with growing pressure on resources and the need to reduce the environmental impact of packaging, material regeneration is emerging as a key focus area. According to the European Commission, packaging is a key lever in the transition to a circular economy, provided that material sustainability and food safety can be reconciled.

Whether bio-based, recycled, compostable or derived from cellulose, these materials open up new possibilities for rethinking food packaging without compromising health and safety.

Food packaging: a sector subject to both regulatory and health requirements

Food packaging occupies a specific position in the agri-food chain. It must guarantee the protection of food, prevent contamination and preserve product quality, while meeting high logistical constraints. According to the EFSA, materials intended for food contact must meet strict requirements in order to prevent the migration of substances that could pose a risk to human health.

At the same time, the European Commission emphasises that reducing packaging waste and incorporating recycled materials are among the environmental priorities of the European Union.

Regenerated materials already in use in food packaging

The regeneration of materials is now being translated into concrete industrial applications. In rigid plastic packaging, the use of food-grade recycled plastic, particularly rPET, is increasing thanks to strictly controlled decontamination processes. According to the EFSA, only recycled plastics from evaluated and authorised processes may be used for food contact.

In certain segments, rHDPE is also used for rigid food containers, subject to enhanced controls and complete traceability of flows.

At the same time, cellulose-based materials are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in pastry, bakery and fast food applications. Cardboard pastry boxes, paper packaging with functional barriers or moulded fibre solutions offer credible alternatives to thermoformed plastics. According to ADEME, these materials are fully in line with eco-design and recyclability principles.

Bio-based bioplastics, such as PLA, are finding targeted applications in food packaging.

Their use remains regulated in order to ensure their compatibility with health and safety standards and end-of-life channels.

Compostable materials complete this range for specific uses. According to ADEME, their relevance depends heavily on the existence of suitable collection and treatment channels, without which their environmental benefits remain limited.

Material regeneration and food safety: striking the right balance

Material regeneration cannot be separated from food safety. According to the EFSA, the reuse and recycling of materials requires rigorous traceability, effective decontamination processes and regular checks to prevent any risk of chemical migration.

This requirement encourages the development of single-material structures, which are easier to recycle and safer in terms of health. According to the European Commission, these approaches facilitate recycling, traceability and the improvement of the overall environmental performance of packaging.

An eco-design dynamic driven by the industry

The regeneration of materials is part of a broader eco-design approach. According to ADEME, integrating recyclability and safety constraints from the design stage onwards reduces the environmental impact of packaging while maintaining its essential functions.

This dynamic concerns the entire industry, from materials manufacturers to agri-food producers, and promotes the development of solutions that are compatible with actual food uses.

Towards new standards for food packaging in Europe 

As regulatory requirements become stricter, material regeneration is becoming a strategic lever for agri-food companies, determining their ability to meet the environmental and health expectations of the European market.

Until we meet again with the key players in materials and packaging innovation at the ALLFORPACK EMBALLAGE PARIS trade show, from 24 to 26 November 2026 at Paris Nord Villepinte, these issues will continue to fuel debate on the future of food packaging in Europe.

More information to come