The EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials (FCM) has concluded that the Bandera Twin recycling process (EU register number RECYC341) produces recycled PET that is not a safety concern when used under defined conditions, according to a scientific opinion published on 26 June 2026. The process, developed by Costruzioni Meccaniche Luigi Bandera S.p.A., uses post-consumer PET flakes (with no more than 5% from non-food applications) that are extruded at high temperature and vacuum. The Panel determined that the critical decontamination step (step 2) is controlled by temperature, pressure, and a confidential parameter (redacted as ■■■■■). Based on a challenge test, the recycled PET is safe for three use scenarios: (i) up to 9% for contact with drinking water for long-term storage at room temperature (with or without hot-fill); (ii) up to 30% for contact with milk, other liquid milk-based products, non-alcoholic beverages (excluding drinking water), and solid foods for infants and toddlers under the same storage conditions; and (iii) up to 100% for all other foodstuffs except those listed in (ii), for long-term storage at room temperature or below. Articles made from this recycled PET are not intended for microwave or conventional oven use.
The opinion was adopted on 20 May 2026 following a request from the Italian competent authority (Ministero della Salute) under Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 on recycled plastic food contact materials. EFSA received the application (EFSA-Q-2023-00480) and conducted a public consultation from 17 September to 8 October 2024, receiving no comments. Additional information was requested from the applicant on 24 September 2024, 20 May 2025, and 21 January 2026, and a technical hearing was held on 14 January 2026. The assessment followed EFSA's 2024 scientific guidance on mechanical PET recycling processes, applying a conservative migration model to ensure that potential unknown contaminants do not exceed a dietary exposure of 0.0025 μg/kg body weight per day.
The decision balances enabling recycled content in food packaging—supporting circular economy goals—against ensuring consumer safety. For the recycling industry, the approval opens a new market for Bandera Twin technology, but the tiered use limits (9%, 30%, 100%) impose restrictions that may affect production flexibility and cost. Food and beverage producers gain access to certified recycled PET for a range of applications, though they must verify compliance with the specific use conditions, particularly for infant and toddler foods. Consumers benefit from reduced plastic waste and safe packaging, but the exclusion of microwave and oven use limits convenience. EU regulators now have a validated process to add to the authorised list, reinforcing the regulatory framework for recycled food contact materials.