FDA OKs Use of MVR's Recycled Resins for Food Contact Products
MVR, a manufacturer of high performance sustainable plastic resins, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance to produce its recycled polypropylene (PP) and recycled polystyrene (PS) resins for use in thermoformed or injection molded articles for contact with non-alcoholic food.
The resins, which are approved for up to 100 percent recycled content and have comparable performance qualities compared to virgin PP and PS, have wide consumer applications.
“Receiving FDA clearance for the use of MVR recycled polypropylene and polystyrene in food contact applications is a big step forward for MVR, our packaged goods customers who have been demanding it and the environment,” said Ronald Whaley, president and chief executive officer. “This clearance expands our potential market by allowing us to meet the need of our customers and the increasing demands of consumers for environmentally friendly food packaging and other products and helps to prevent the buildup of plastic waste in landfills.”
MVR produces recycled PP and PS resins from plastic waste supplied by U.S. retailers through a proprietary process of sorting, washing, drying and extruding. The recycled resins can be mixed with virgin food grade resins or used as is to create thermoformed or injection molded products such as cups, plates, containers, cosmetics, housewares accessories and cutlery. The conditions of use range from boiling water up to 212 degrees F to storage of frozen items. By the end of 2010, MVR plans to have the capacity to manufacture 90 million pounds of post consumer recycled resin annually.