EFSA’s Scientific Opinion validates Starlinger’s recoSTAR PET art system, raising the bar for food-grade recycled plastics under Regulation (EU) 2022/1616.
Starlinger recycling technology has earned a landmark Positive Scientific Opinionfrom the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for its advanced recoSTAR PET art bottle-to-bottle recycling process. This is the first EFSA approval under the stricter Regulation (EU) 2022/1616, positioning Starlinger at the forefront of compliant, high-performance recycling for food-grade PET applications.
In its review, EFSA confirmed that the recoSTAR PET art process meets or surpasses newly tightened decontamination thresholds for substances such as toluene, chlorobenzene, and methyl salicylate—some of which now face 50% stricter limits. The validation affirms that the system is capable of consistently delivering clean, safe, and food-contact-compliant rPET under the most demanding European regulatory framework to date.
“Achieving the first Positive Scientific Opinion under EU 2022/1616 is a major endorsement of our innovation in PET recycling,”
said Paul Niedl, Commercial Head of Starlinger recycling technology.
“It underscores our commitment to safety, sustainability, and setting the benchmark for the global industry.”
Following the formal issuance of a Recycling Process Authorization Number (RAN) by the European Commission, Starlinger will be able to license the process across the EU without further testing—cutting approval times for PET recyclers and accelerating deployment of sustainable packaging solutions.
Next-Gen Technology That Delivers More with Less
First introduced at the 2022 K Show in Düsseldorf, the recoSTAR PET art system represents a leap forward in efficiency and performance. Key advancements include:
- ⚡25% lower energy consumption per kilogram
- 📈15% increase in throughput, with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 3,200 kg/h
- 🔧 A flexible,modular design engineered for rapid integration and operational efficiency
Today, 18 recoSTAR PET art lines are already in operation worldwide—from Europe to the Americas, Africa, India, and Southeast Asia—collectively producing nearly 300,000 tons of food-grade rPET annually. Across its global footprint, Starlinger systems now account for approximately 2.5 million tons of rPET used in beverage bottles every year.