The approval follows a formal review period between 20 March and 20 April 2026, during which no objections were raised.
The development allows the company to begin commercial supply discussions with packaging converters and brand owners seeking compliant recycled content.
Jayplas confirmed it will now submit its Compliance Monitoring Summary Sheet (CMSS) to the Food Standards Agency, with a decision expected in mid-May 2026.
HDPE for food grade packaging
The milestone builds on recognition from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), reinforcing the role of mechanical recycling in producing food-grade HDPE at scale.
The sector is under increasing pressure to meet recycled content targets and comply with tightening regulatory frameworks.
A spokesperson for Jayplas said: “Securing ANT status is a significant step in demonstrating that mechanically recycled HDPE can meet the stringent requirements for food contact applications.
“This creates a viable pathway for greater adoption of recycled content in rigid packaging formats.”
Jayplas’ HDPE recycling facility in Lincolnshire was developed over two years and opened in August 2024.
The plant features advanced washing and extrusion systems sourced from European suppliers and was designed to produce food-grade rHDPE.
The company operates a network of eight recycling and manufacturing facilities across the UK, including advanced optical sorting for flexible and rigid plastics.
With ANT status in place, Jayplas is now positioned to supply PCR rHDPE in line with UK and EU requirements.
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