Rigid plastic packaging supplier Holfeld Plastics has received approval from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its Diamat technology, which involves consecutive extrusion processes for decontamination efficiency of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets.
According to the company, the decontamination process involves 50% recycled PET (r-PET) and 50% virgin flake being heated in a reactor leading to crystallization of the flakes, which are decontaminated through two extrusion steps including multiple vacuum degassing.
The food contact PET sheets are then extruded. They are examined in a quality control environment for intrinsic viscosity, color, deformities, blemishes and black specks.
The sheets that are approved in the process will further be formed into trays and punnets for market sectors such as red meat, poultry, fish and fresh produce.
EFSA's panel examined the challenge tests provided and concluded that step three involving two consecutive extrusions including multiple degassing is the major step for the decontamination efficiency of the process.
The panel also considered that the recycling process can reduce any expected accidental contamination of the post-consumer contact PET to a concentration that does not result in concern for risk of human health.
