Prevented Ocean Plastic has supported the development of the RINA Food Contact Recycled Plastics Audit Protocol, a new framework aimed at supporting a clear path to market for food-safe recycled plastics in Europe.
Regulation (EU) 2022/1616 sets strict requirements for recycled plastics used in food-contact applications, including full process control and third-party certified Quality Assurance Systems. This sits alongside broader EU policy drivers such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), all of which are tightening expectations on traceability, safety and recycled content.At the same time, demand for recycled content in food contact applications continues to accelerate, especially in the current market.
In practice, however, limited audit pathways and inconsistent interpretations have slowed progress, particularly for non-EU recyclers supplying into the European market.
Regulation to Reality
Developed by RINA, a knowledge-based company which provides engineering solutions, testing, certification and digital services worldwide, the protocol translates complex regulatory requirements into a practical, auditable framework. RINA used the Prevented Ocean Plastic (Bantam Materials UK Ltd) supply chain as a case study and the first organisation to successfully complete the audit under the new protocol.
It converts complex regulatory requirements into a practical, auditable framework, built on a full chain-of-custody model, from waste collection through to final product. It applies to both EU and non-EU recyclers and aligns with the latest Commission guidance, including evolving requirements linked to PPWR and the Single-Use Plastics Directive. Crucially, it avoids adding unnecessary layers beyond Article 6 requirements, an issue that has complicated other approaches.
The Prevented Ocean Plastic programme provided real, best-in-class operating conditions, not theoretical ones. That includes a franchise basedsupply chain incentivising the collection of plastic waste from coastal communities while focusing on traceability, social equity and impact investment. The programme enables global brands to integrate responsibly sourced high-quality recycled plastic into their supply chains.
Elevating the Industry
This new protocol is available to other market participants that want to elevate their supply chain.
Prevented Ocean Plastic continues to focus on thought leadership, innovation and problem solving for the industry- from the development of a world-first food-safe rPP product innovation, an upcoming rHDPE innovation, and now regulatory problem solving to elevate the industry.
Prevented Ocean Plastic Founder, Raffi Schieir, said, “The team is committed to be problem solvers for the recycling industry. This clear path to evidence compliance for import materials is a massive solve that we are very pleased to contribute towards. Import material is regularly used in the marketplace, this innovation allows the best international actors to elevate and evidence the amazing work that they are doing.”
