The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is conducting a public consultation on a proposal to allow the use of polybutylene adipate (PBAT) in food utensils, containers and packaging. If approved, PBAT will be added to the "list of permitted materials" for these products. Currently, the main companies involved in the PBAT industry in Korea are SK and LG Chem.
After several revisions over the years, this is a major revision of the 2021 edition. The proposed revision of the "Standards and Specifications for Food Utensils, Containers and Packaging" is intended to meet the industry's need for biodegradable materials for containers and packaging.
1、 Synthetic resin raw material list, added PBAT
PBAT is defined in the draft as a synthetic resin with a base polymer containing 50% or more of copolymerized substances of terephthalic acid, adipic acid and 1,4-butanediol. Derived from common petrochemicals: pure terephthalic acid (PTA), butylene glycol and adipic acid, PBAT is biodegradable and is commonly used in plastic bags to increase flexibility and compostability.
The following migration or dissolution specifications are included in the revised draft.
1. Lead-less than or equal to 1mg/L
2. Potassium permanganate-consumption-less than or equal to 10mg/L
3. Total elution amount-less than or equal to 30mg/L
4. Terephthalic acid-less than or equal to 7.5mg/L
5. Isophthalic acid-less than or equal to 5mg/L
6. 1,4-Butanediol-Less than or equal to 5mg/L
2、 Recycle materials
The draft amendment also includes updated documentation that companies must submit in order to obtain approval for the use of recycled materials. The updated requirements include.
The method of use of the food utensil, container or package, such as the purpose, recommended temperature for use, etc.
The type of food for which the utensil, container or package is suitable.
Warnings on the use of utensils, containers or packaging.
The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) Ministry has published the draft amendment on October 14 and notified the WTO on October 17. Public consultation will continue until December 16.
