FDA Greenlights Petoskey Plastics' Recycled Resin for Specific Food-Related Applications

Petoskey Plastics, a prominent recycling and manufacturing company headquartered in Petoskey, Michigan, has achieved a significant milestone in the realm of sustainable materials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a No Objection Letter (NOL) to Petoskey Plastics, confirming the effectiveness of its secondary recycling process in producing postconsumer recycled (PCR) linear, low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) material that is entirely suitable for food-contact applications. This development underscores the company's commitment to delivering sustainable solutions while upholding rigorous quality standards.

The PCR-LLDPE material developed by Petoskey Plastics is designed for use in manufacturing various articles intended for contact with Food Type VIII. This category encompasses dry foods with no surface fat or oil, including raw fruits, vegetables, and shell eggs. These applications are designed to meet the demands of frozen, refrigerated, and room temperature conditions of use. The pivotal No Objection Letter from the FDA underscores the material's safety and suitability for these purposes.

Jason Keiswetter, President of Petoskey Plastics, expressed his enthusiasm and pride in the achievement, highlighting the company's unwavering dedication to continuous improvement. He emphasized the significance of receiving the No Objection Letter from the FDA, as it signifies the company's relentless pursuit of producing an impeccable PCR pellet that meets stringent regulatory and quality standards.

In addition to the FDA's favorable opinion, Petoskey Plastics has also received third-party certification from SCS Global Services, based in Emeryville, California, for its GreenPE Polyethylene Repro H-RM-RE0012CL resin. This certification verifies that the resin contains a minimum of 99 percent PCR polyethylene (PE), further underlining the company's commitment to utilizing recycled materials. Petoskey Plastics offers a range of six distinct GreenPE recycled PE resins, with four of them receiving SCS Recycled Content certification, each tailored to different percentages of postconsumer and preconsumer recycled PE content.

The journey of Petoskey Plastics in the realm of recycling and sustainability dates back to its inception in 1978 in Petoskey, Michigan. The company initially embarked on in-house recycling initiatives, which ultimately led to its remarkable progress in the field. In 1990, Petoskey Plastics received a grant from the state of Michigan through the Quality of Life Bond Fund, aimed at furthering its efforts in recycling postconsumer PE waste.

At present, the company operates a state-of-the-art recycling facility located in Hartford City, Indiana. In 2022, this facility was instrumental in producing an impressive 35.6 million pounds of recycled resin. This substantial output underscores the company's dedication to advancing recycling efforts, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The issuance of the No Objection Letter from the FDA, combined with the SCS Global Services certification, marks a significant achievement for Petoskey Plastics. It demonstrates their commitment to providing sustainable and safe materials for food-contact applications while meeting the stringent requirements of regulatory bodies. As the company continues to evolve in the realm of recycling and sustainability, it sets an inspiring example for others in the industry, showing that responsible recycling practices can lead to innovative and environment-friendly solutions that benefit both businesses and the planet.