Declining of petrochemical-based plastics
According to many industry reports, in 2019, around 85 percent of the plastic produced worldwide was petroleum-derived (Statista). However, by 2030, petrochemical-based plastics are expected to account for only 54.7 percent of global plastics production, while recycled plastics and bioplastics will account for a more significant proportion of the market. The British Plastics Federation (BPF) cites that the growing demand for limited oil reserves is driving a need for newer plastics from renewable resources such as waste biomass or animal waste products from the industry.
Need for Compliance in Food Packaging
Concern is growing about producing plastic films, such as BOPP or PET, which are commonly used for primary food or drink packaging in their final form. The main issue centers on porcine-derived materials circulated in a recycled food industry that can be used to make plastic that eventually comes in contact with consumable goods; conversely, cattle and other domesticated animals in the form of derivatives may not pose a Halal concern when they are in contact with food in plastic form as long as they are not intended as edible packaging.
Should food packaging manufacturers use any animal substance in the resin products to form food-grade packaging, they must declare the use of animal substances according to EU Regulation 1069/2009 and Commission Regulation 142/2011. Therefore, the source of tallow, gelatin, and stearates depends on how willingly the manufacturer shares the animal species used in the production, as these details are not explicitly deemed in the context of regulation. Alternatively, some special laboratories can determine the origin of plastic materials and whether the animal substance is used.
International Pelletwatch
According to International Pelletwatch, the raw material of reprocessed plastic granules or plastic resin pellets used in making multiple plastics, such as BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), is generally in the shape of a cylinder with a few mm diameter. These plastic particles are industrial raw materials transported to manufacturing sites where they are re-melted and molded into final products.
Resin pellets can be unintentionally released into the environment during manufacturing and transport. They are eventually carried to the ocean by surface runoff, streams, and rivers. Resin pellets can also be directly introduced to the sea through accidental spills during shipping. Because of their environmental persistence, they are distributed widely in the ocean and on beaches worldwide. The growing production of plastic leads to a measurable increase in plastic pollution in the sea.
The need to evaluate the substances used in food-contact packaging is becoming more significant for compliance, not just with Halal but also with Vegetarian and Vegan standards. Ensuring that packaging materials meet these requirements is crucial for consumer trust and market acceptance.
2011
Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 of 25 February 2011 (pdf, 9,668Kb) implements Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down health rules for animal by-products not intended for human consumption and Council Directive 97/78/EC regarding certain samples and items exempt from veterinary checks at the border under that Directive.
2009
Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 Of The European Parliament And Of The Council of 21 October 2009 (pdf 506Kb) Commission Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1774/2002 (Animal by-products Regulation).
References:
¹How Is Plastic Made? A Simple Step-By-Step Explanation (bpf.co.uk)
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