British Plastics Federation releases guidelines on recycled packaging in pharma

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has announced the launch of new guidelines, Recycled Content Used In Plastic Packaging Applications.

According to the BPF, the document provides answers to questions about measuring recycled content and highlights important regulatory and technical considerations. The guidance is aimed at companies wishing to include recycled content in pharmaceutical packaging as well as food, drink and cosmetics packaging; it is also designed to help policymakers better understand the sector-specific issues.

The guidelines were formulated in conjunction with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF).

The BPF highlights that under current regulations and technical constraints, it is not possible at present to incorporate recycled materials in many types of plastic packaging used by these sectors, owing to the rigorous safety requirements currently in place to protect human health. This industry-led collaboration is intended to provide guidance on the regulatory requirements and key technical considerations.

In the document are detailed guidances in the form of simple Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). It also highlights important factors for industry to consider when incorporating recycled content into plastic packaging, such as the potential to generate extra waste or to render products unrecyclable by conventional means.

The BPF’s Plastics and Flexible Packaging Group Director, Barry Turner, stated: “The inclusion of recycled materials in packaging can have environmental benefits of resource efficiency and carbon savings. Therefore, we are extremely happy to be working alongside the FDF and CTPA to help ensure recycled content is maximised where it delivers the most benefit to the environment and to help bring us closer to the circular economy.”