As concerns about plastic pollution rise, experts say decisions about food packaging should rely on science, not generalizations.
Washington, D.C., 19 November 2025 – Plastic is often discussed as if all types are the same, but for the food and beverage industry, the details matter. One of the most important materials is polyethylene terephthalate, better known as PET. It is widely used, closely regulated, and essential for keeping food safe, fresh, and protected. With growing public concern about plastic waste, experts emphasize that conversations around packaging must be guided by science and clear regulations, not broad assumptions.
What Regulators Actually Say
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration regulates PET under strict rules that define how it can be used for food contact. Recycled PET is even more tightly controlled, requiring recyclers to prove that their process removes contaminants. Only then does the FDA issue a Letter of No Objection. Regulators set firm safety limits to ensure that anything migrating from packaging into food remains far below levels considered harmful.
Similar standards exist in Europe through the European Food Safety Authority, and in Canada through Health Canada. The message from regulators worldwide is consistent: when PET and recycled PET are produced within established safety rules, they are approved for food contact.
Why PET Performs Well in Real Use
Food packaging is not just about appearance; it is a protective layer that helps keep food safe. PET is strong, clear, and resistant to moisture and oxygen. These characteristics help maintain quality, extend shelf life, and reduce food waste. Since food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, PET indirectly supports climate goals by keeping food fresher for longer.
In remote or emergency, PET containers offer advantages that heavier materials like glass or metal cannot. Their strength, light weight, and durability make them crucial for transporting safe water and essential nutrition during crises.
PET is also considered an inert material at the levels used in food packaging, meaning it does not react with food or release harmful substances at relevant exposure levels.
Recycling, Circularity, and Real-World Systems
Modern food companies are expected to deliver both safety and sustainability. PET is one of the few packaging materials that can achieve both. It is easily recognized by the No. 1 recycling code and is the most widely recycled plastic in the United States, with nearly 2 billion pounds recovered each year.
PET bottles already have a lower carbon footprint compared to materials like aluminum and glass. Using recycled PET reduces emissions even further by cutting the energy required to produce new resin. This combination of recyclability, lightweight design, and an established recycling market makes PET a practical choice for lower-carbon, circular packaging systems.
The Microplastics Question
Microplastics are a growing topic in public debate, but scientific and regulatory findings consistently show that PET is not considered a health risk. The FDA states that current evidence does not show microplastics in foods at levels that pose danger to human health.
Recent studies also show that microplastics can come from unexpected places. One French study found more particles in glass bottles than in PET bottles because of paint flakes from metal caps. This shows how complex microplastic research is and how easily results can be misunderstood without standardized testing.
Some studies claiming to find plastics in human organs have faced criticism for small sample sizes and false positives. Without consistent global testing methods, results vary widely.
The overall message from scientific reviews remains steady: PET is among the safest and most reliable materials for food contact.
A Clearer Conversation About Plastics
No material is perfect, but PET has a long track record of safety, strong regulatory oversight, and a proven environmental advantage compared to many alternatives. Instead of grouping all plastics together, experts say companies should evaluate each material individually and design packaging responsibly.
As the food industry works to reduce waste, protect food safety, and lower emissions, PET offers a tested, adaptable, and increasingly circular solution. The question is not whether PET is safe; regulators worldwide have already answered that. The real challenge is ensuring PET is used, recycled, and sourced in ways that support a more sustainable future.
