Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced a draft amendment to the Food Codex Regulation on Food Contact Substances and Materials, removing the previous ban on recycled plastics in food packaging.
Key Changes and Benefits
• Recycled Plastics Allowed: Businesses can now use recycled plastics in food-contact materials if all regulatory requirements are met.
• Reuse of Production Scraps: Plastic scraps and leftovers can be reused following Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and new guidelines in Annex 7.
• Strict Handling Requirements: Scraps must be separated, stored in sealed and labeled containers, and tracked to avoid contamination and mixing.
Transition Period and Compliance
• The amendment takes effect upon official publication.
• Full compliance is mandatory by November 30, 2026.
• Enforcement will be overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
Industry and Environmental Impact
This regulatory update advances Turkey’s circular economy goals by promoting recycling and reducing plastic waste. It also improves manufacturing efficiency by enabling reuse of production scraps while ensuring food safety through robust GMP and traceability requirements.
Reference: Turkey Food Packaging Sectoral Guide
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