Wankai New Materials and Partners Facilitate PEF Approval as Food Contact Material in China

This approval allows PEF-related products developed by Wankai New Materials and its partners to be included in China's national standard for food-contact plastics (GB 4806.7-2023), enabling their use in food packaging and related applications within China.

PEF belongs to a category of next-generation polyesters that have garnered industrial interest due to their potential sustainability profile and functional properties. Scientific studies suggest that PEF may offer improved gas barrier performance compared to conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which could contribute to extended shelf life for certain packaged products. As a bio-based material, it represents a potential pathway for reducing the fossil-based carbon footprint in the packaging value chain.

The safety of food-contact materials depends on their inherent stability and compliance. Partner Leaf Biotech has established production processes for high-purity FDCA and implemented corresponding quality control systems. Wankai's PEF products have met review requirements, including evaluations for monomer migration and non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), supporting their approval for food-contact use.

Global Regulatory Context

The approval in China aligns with ongoing regulatory assessments worldwide. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has initiated a safety evaluation of FDCA for food-contact applications. In the United States, Food Contact Notifications (FCNs) for related materials are under review by the FDA. Japan and South Korea are also conducting studies on standards for bio-based materials. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has published test methods for furan-based polyesters, providing technical references for global assessments.

Industry Applications

Several consumer goods companies have expressed interest in PEF for packaging applications. The Coca-Cola Company, Danone, and Nestlé have referenced PEF in sustainability reports and pilot project announcements. Industrial-scale production initiatives are underway in Europe, indicating progress toward commercialization.

Wankai's collaboration with Leaf Biotech on PEF development reflects its focus on bio-based and sustainable materials. The approval in China establishes a regulatory foundation for introducing PEF to the domestic market.

Looking ahead, Wankai will continue to work within established regulatory frameworks and with industry partners to advance material innovations that support sustainable development in packaging.

References and Sources

[1] European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). “Safety assessment of the substance FDCA for use in food contact materials.” EFSA Journal or related acceptance announcement (reference to public meeting minutes or updates on the EFSA website).

[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance (FCS) Notifications.” Status of FCN submissions can be checked via public databases.

[3] Regulatory updates on new synthetic resins and bio-based materials from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) (based on industry reports and official policy summaries).

[4] International Organization for Standardization (ISO). “Standards for furan-based polyesters.” (e.g., relevant ISO test method standards).

[5] Sustainability reports or public press releases from companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, Danone, and Nestlé regarding PEF material pilot projects.

[6] Public information from industry analysis reports (e.g., European Bioplastics, Nova-Institute) on PEF industrialization projects and production capacity development.