Plastic containers now face stricter regulation aimed at promoting a circular economy. Across Europe, national and regional rules increasingly encourage reusing food packaging, which creates a challenge: ensuring safety after repeated use and washing. AIMPLAS, the Technological Plastics Institute, leveraged more than 30 years of experience in the food packaging industry to create the Reusable Designed Seal. This seal certifies that a product is designed for safe reuse in contact with food. It has undergone the necessary analyses to be considered reusable for food safety after multiple uses and after intermediate washing, with an additional verification of its functionality. AIMPLAS brings this seal to life through its extensive testing capabilities and laboratories, which stand among the most accredited in the plastics sector in Europe. AIMPLAS reports that the seal is built to support safer circular use for food contact materials while aligning with diverse community arrangements.
Before sealing, products undergo a battery of tests and analyses. These include dishwashing resistance of at least five cycles, evaluation of risks from NIAS substances (not intentionally added) with migration tests to ensure that transitioning to food contact does not pose health risks, and sensory analysis to confirm that reuse does not alter the organoleptic properties of the food. AIMPLAS confirms that these steps ensure the packaging remains safe and suitable for repeated use and cleaning in real-world settings.
For packaging manufacturers with a strong presence in the Foia de Castalla region, carrying this seal provides a competitive edge by signaling security and transparency to customers. For buyers and users, the seal offers a tangible guarantee of safety, while for the environment it represents progress toward reuse. The shift toward reuse can reduce waste that is otherwise poorly managed and lowers resource use and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to broader environmental benefits.
About AIMPLAS
At AIMPLAS, the objective is to help companies embed the circular economy into their business models. By turning regulatory changes affecting the plastics industry into opportunities, AIMPLAS aims to boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve economic profitability. The institute conducts research and practical work in areas such as recycling, biodegradable materials and products, biomass usage, and CO2 valorization to develop solutions that address current environmental challenges. AIMPLAS notes that its work helps companies adapt to evolving rules while maintaining market competitiveness.