The British Plastics Federation (BPF) — in conjunction with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) — developed guidelines on recycled content in plastic packaging. The guidelines, titled, Recycled Content Used In Plastic Packaging Applications, were designed for companies that intend to use recycled plastic content in food, drink, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical packaging, as well as for policymakers.

The guidelines provide an overview of national regulations governing the use of recycled content in packaging in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, in addition to European Union regulations. Presented in a question and answer format, some information on U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recycling regulations is provided in response to a question on the difference between EU and U.S. regulations. There is also a chapter on technical considerations that includes possible future changes to recycling regulations and practices.

Concerning the guidelines, Tim Chandler, Senior Scientific Officer at the British Food Standards Agency stated, “The FSA welcomes industry initiatives to produce voluntary guidelines for manufacturers and suppliers of food contact materials; including for the incorporation of recycled plastic content in plastic food packaging. These assist industry to achieve consistency and a high standard of finished product, ensuring the safety of materials for food contact applications.” (See BPF press release (link above) on the guidance.)