A review on European Union’s strategy for plastics in a circular economy and its impact on food safety

In 2018, European Union adopted a European strategy for plastics in a circular economy as a part of their action plan for a circular economy. Sustainability is the underlying motivation behind the plastics strategy with a goal of addressing how plastics are designed, used and recycled in the EU. One of the strategies outlined is that by 2030, all plastic packaging placed on the EU market is either reusable or can be recycled in a cost-effective manner. A large portion of food packaging is multi-layer plastic that is not recyclable in a cost-effective manner. Given the difficulties associated with recycling today’s complex food packaging, what impacts will the European Union’s strategies for plastics in a circular economy have on food safety? This article explores what is being done and what can be done to mitigate the risks to food safety while adhering to the EU’s plastic strategy. It has been observed that the plastic plays a vital role in maintaining food safety, extending shelf-life and minimising food waste. However, it is currently not possible to recycle multi-layer plastic packaging which is widely used throughout the food industry, and there are currently no viable alternatives offering the same level of protection. Unless possible substitutes to multi-layer plastics offering the same level of food protection can be developed then there will be detrimental effects on food quality, safety and shelf-life, which will lead to increased food waste, additional food costs and a reduction in the variety and availability of certain foods.