Cap to Cap

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project is to increase the use of recycled plastic in food packaging and reduce CO2 emissions. The project investigates whether plastic caps from the Swedish deposit-return system can be recycled into new food-grade caps. If not, obstacles and solutions are identified. The project also maps the steps required for approval under EU legislation, with the goal of developing new caps made from recycled material that meet food contact requirements.

Expected effects and result

By demonstrating the possibility of using recycled plastics beyond PET in new food applications, the project will serve as a guide for the future use of recycled plastics. A successful outcome will show that even materials previously considered unsuitable, such as HDPE from consumer-collected packaging, can be approved for food contact. This would pave the way for broader use of recycled materials in the food industry and thereby contribute to more circular plastic use.

Planned approach and implementation

The work is divided into four work packages (WP).WP-1 involves mapping research on recycled HDPE, the deposit-return system, and consumption data to assess contamination. WP-2 focuses on testing the current recycling system through contamination studies. WP-3 includes analysis of recycled material compared to virgin material to identify potential NIAS .WP-4 consists of a risk assessment based on analyses and exposure scenarios in preparation for industrial application