US rPET manufacturer Phoenix Technologies (Bowling Green, Ohio; www.phoenixtechnologies.net) has been given a green light by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its production process based on extra small particle size (ESPS) technology. EFSA’s panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids concluded that there were no safety concerns about using rPET from Phoenix’ ESPS process at up to 100% in manufacturing materials for contact with all types of foodstuffs for long-term storage at room temperature, with or without hot-fill.

Lori Carson, director of commercial operations at Phoenix Technologies, said: “The reason Phoenix pursued this certification is because many of our rPET customers are large global brand owners who sell their products into the European marketplace. This certification gives them an additional comfort level that rPET produced via this process can be used as an ‘up to’ 100% replacement for virgin PET without any safety issues.” The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada have also previously issued "letters of no objection" to Phoenix Technologies for its ESPS process.

Phoenix Technologies’ proprietary rPET technology is used to make a variety of containers and bottles for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, shampoos, soaps and detergents. Its resins are also used in non-packaging applications such as strapping and carpeting, among others.