Active and Intelligent Food Packaging Legislation

Intertek provides support on the European legislation for Active and Intelligent packaging materials, (EC) 450/2009.

Suppliers of active and intelligent packaging materials on the European market need to make sure that their materials comply with the general European Framework (EC) 1935/2004, the 450/2009 (EC), and others where relevant. Active and intelligent materials and articles may be placed on the European market if they comply with the restrictions set out in Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, articles, 3, 4 and 15, and the European Regulation (EC) 450/2009.

In regulation (EC) 450/2009 specific rules are laid down for active and intelligent materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. On 29 May 2009 the regulation (EC) 450/2009 was published in the Official Journey. The regulation has become active as of 18 June 2009.

Content
In Regulation (EC) 450/2009 composition restrictions are set out and the materials have to comply with requirements concerning labelling, declaration of compliance and supporting documentation.

Composition
Only substances which are included in the ‘Community list’ of authorized substances may be used in components of active and intelligent materials and articles.

Labelling
Additional rules on labelling apply. Non-edible parts shall be labelled with the words ‘Do not eat’ and where technically possible the relevant symbol.

Declaration of Compliance and Documentation
In all marketing stages active and intelligent materials and articles, whether they are in contact with food, or the components intended for manufacturing of those materials or substances for the manufacturing of those components, shall be accompanied by a written declaration in accordance with Regulations (EC) 1935/2004 and Regulation (EC) 450/2009.

Supporting documentation shall contain information on the suitability and effectiveness of the active or intelligent material and evidence of the safety. Intertek provides comprehensive consultancy and testing in the area of food contact materials.