Application and Compliance Management of Plant Fibers in Food Contact Plastics

REN Zhaofang; TAN Suwei; QIU Jinhua; CHEN Cancan; DING Xiao; LI Dan; CHEN Sheng; ZHONG Huaining; PAN Jingjing

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.15.011

PDF(497 KB)

Packaging Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (15) : 100-109. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.15.011

Special Topic on Safety and Detection of Food Contact Materials

Application and Compliance Management of Plant Fibers in Food Contact Plastics

REN Zhaofang, TAN Suwei, QIU Jinhua, CHEN Cancan, DING Xiao, LI Dan, CHEN Sheng, ZHONG Huaining, PAN Jingjing^*

Author information +

History +

Abstract

Since the plant fibers have been widely used in food contact plastics, the work aims to discuss the food safety risks and regulatory situations arising from the addition of plant fibers to food contact plastics. The research progress on the application properties of common plant fibers in plastic materials and the potential food risks were reviewed. The notifications related to such products by the EU RASFF from 2022 to 2024 and the current regulatory status for plant fiber-plastic products in food contact applications in major countries and regions such as China, the EU, and the U.S were analyzed. The safety and compliance considerations for these products in food contact applications were summarized. Preparing composite materials by adding plant fibers to plastic materials could improve the hydrophobic properties of the materials, enhance their mechanical and thermal stability, and accelerate degradation. However, plant fibers had complex components, so the production and processing of adding them to food contact plastics as well as the subsequent use might cause potential food safety risks. China, the EU, the U.S. and other countries formulated corresponding regulations to supervise such products. In the future, promoting the high-value application of plant fiber/plastic materials in food contact fields must be premised on meeting the food safety regulatory requirements of various countries to avoid food safety risks and harm to human health.

Key words

plant fiber / food contact / plastic materials / food safety / regulatory supervision

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

REN Zhaofang, TAN Suwei, QIU Jinhua, CHEN Cancan, DING Xiao, LI Dan, CHEN Sheng, ZHONG Huaining, PAN Jingjing. Application and Compliance Management of Plant Fibers in Food Contact Plastics[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2025, 46(15): 100-109 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2025.15.011

References

[1] 王菊英, 林新珍. 应对塑料及微塑料污染的海洋治理体系浅析[J]. 太平洋学报, 2018, 26(4): 79-87.
WANG J Y, LIN X Z.Global Ocean Governance in Addressing Plastic and Microplastic Pollution[J]. Pacific Journal, 2018, 26(4): 79-87.
[2] PEDERSEN A F, MEYER D N, PETRIV A V, et al.Nanoplastics Impact the Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Transcriptome: Associated Developmental and Neurobehavioral Consequences[J]. Environmental Pollution, 2020, 266: 115090.
[3] 中华人民共和国国家发展和改革委员会. 印发《加快“以竹代塑”发展三年行动计划》的通知(发改环资〔2023〕1375号)[EB/OL]. (2023-11-02)[2025-07-05]. https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/tz/202311/t20231102_1361715.html.
National Development and Reform Commission. Notice on Issuing the Three-Year Action Plan for Accelerating the Development of "Replacing Plastics with Bamboo" (No.1375[2023], Issued by the Department of Environment and Resources of the NDRC)[EB/OL]. (2023-11-02)[2025-07-05].https://www.ndrc.gov.cn/xxgk/zcfb/tz/202311/t20231102_1361715.html.
[4] 王璟. 浅谈食品接触之“竹纤维” 制品[J]. 食品安全导刊, 2021(21): 7-8.
WANG J.Discussion on “Bamboo Fiber” Products in Contact with Food[J]. China Food Safety Magazine, 2021(21): 7-8.
[5] VÄISÄNEN T, HAAPALA A, LAPPALAINEN R, et al. Utilization of Agricultural and Forest Industry Waste and Residues in Natural Fiber-Polymer Composites: A Review[J]. Waste Management, 2016, 54: 62-73.
[6] ZHANG H, SU Q Z, SHANG G Q, et al.Elucidation of Non-Intentionally Added Substances from Plant Fiber/Plastic Composites by UPLC-QTOF/MS[J]. Foods, 2023, 12(3): 678.
[7] SABER D, ABDELNABY A H.Recent Developments in Natural Fiber as Reinforcement in Polymeric Composites: A Review[J]. Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 2022, 6(3): 56-75.
[8] 刘金宇, 贾勇星, 温变英, 等. 生物降解聚酯/秸秆纤维全生物降解复合材料研究进展[J]. 中国塑料, 2022, 36(11): 183-191.
LIU J Y, JIA Y X, WEN B Y, et al.Research Progress in Fully Biodegradable Polyester/Straw Plant Fiber Composites[J]. China Plastics, 2022, 36(11): 183-191.
[9] RAMESH M, PALANIKUMAR K, REDDY K H.Plant Fibre Based Bio-Composites: Sustainable and Renewable Green Materials[J]. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2017, 79: 558-584.
[10] 魏风军, 杨雪. 植物纤维增强PHBV和PBAT可降解复合材料研究进展[J]. 包装工程, 2025, 46(1): 28-39.
WEI F J, YANG X.Research Progress in Plant Fibre Reinforced PHBV and PBAT Degradable Composites[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2025, 46(1): 28-39.
[11] WU C S.Renewable Resource-Based Green Composites of Surface-Treated Spent Coffee Grounds and Polylactide: Characterisation and Biodegradability[J]. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2015, 121: 51-59.
[12] 李婷, 陈铭哲, 陈旭明, 等. 食品用植物纤维塑料产品安全风险研究[J]. 塑料包装, 2022, 32(6): 9-14.
LI T, CHEN M Z, CHEN X M, et al.Research on the Safety Risks of Fiber Plants Plastics Productsfor Food[J]. Plastics Packaging, 2022, 32(6): 9-14.
[13] 靳玲, 徐冬梅, 王杰, 等. 多种PVC基植物纤维复合材料性能对比研究[J]. 上海塑料, 2020, 48(4): 10-18.
JIN L, XU D M, WANG J, et al.Comparative Study on Properties of Various PVC-Based Plant Fiber Composites[J]. Shanghai Plastics, 2020, 48(4): 10-18.
[14] 宋聪聪. PVC/竹纤维环保型复合材料的制备及性能研究[J]. 塑料科技, 2021, 49(6): 80-83.
SONG C C.Study on Preparation and Properties of PVC/Bamboo Fiber Environmentally Friendly Composites[J]. Plastics Science and Technology, 2021, 49(6): 80-83.
[15] 朱佳丽. 高填充PLA基竹塑复合材料制备及竹炭改性研究[D]. 南昌: 江西农业大学, 2023.
ZHU J L.Study on Preparation of PLA-Based Bamboo-Plastic Composites with High Filling and Modification of Bamboo Charcoal[D]. Nanchang: Jiangxi Agricultural University, 2023.
[16] 龚新怀, 黄垚焜, 葛良望, 等. 竹质纤维形态对聚乳酸基竹塑复合材料性能的影响[J]. 工程塑料应用, 2024, 52(1): 32-37.
GONG X H, HUANG Y K, GE L W, et al.Effects of Bamboo Fiber Species on Properties of Polylactic Acid Based Bamboo Plastic Composites[J]. Engineering Plastics Application, 2024, 52(1): 32-37.
[17] 周凌蕾, 史可, 何春霞. 3种高含量植物纤维填充聚乳酸复合材料性能对比[J]. 南京农业大学学报, 2023, 46(1): 210-216.
ZHOU L L, SHI K, HE C X.Comparison of Properties of Three Kinds of High Content Plant Fiber Filled Polylactic Acid Composites[J]. Journal of Nanjing Agricultural University, 2023, 46(1): 210-216.
[18] 王云飞, 邹淼, 唐启恒, 等. 竹/木纤维配比对竹/木/聚丙烯纤维复合材料性能的影响[J]. 木材工业, 2018, 32(4): 5-8.
WANG Y F, ZOU M, TANG Q H, et al.Effect of Mass Ratio of Bamboo/Wood Fiber on Properties of Bamboo/Wood/Polypropylene Composites[J]. China Wood Industry, 2018, 32(4): 5-8.
[19] 刘伟, 何仕成, 杨余杰, 等. 高熔体弹性PLA/咖啡渣复合材料的发泡行为研究[J]. 中国塑料, 2018, 32(5): 48-54.
LIU W, HE S C, YANG Y J, et al.Study on Foaming Behaviors of High Melt-Elastic PLA/Coffee Ground Composites[J]. China Plastics, 2018, 32(5): 48-54.
[20] 梁健飞. 咖啡渣和稻壳灰生物质在生物可降解塑料中的应用研究[D]. 广州: 华南理工大学, 2019.
LIANG J F.Study on the Application of Coffee Grounds and Rice Husk Ash Biomass in Biodegradable Plastics[D]. Guangzhou: South China University of Technology, 2019.
[21] 曹贤武, 金圣桥, 何光建. PBS/咖啡渣生物可降解材料的研究[J]. 现代塑料加工应用, 2021, 33(3): 5-7.
CAO X W, JIN S Q, HE G J.Study on PBS/Coffee Grounds Biodegradable Material[J]. Modern Plastics Processing and Applications, 2021, 33(3): 5-7.
[22] MOUSTAFA H, GUIZANI C, DUPONT C, et al.Utilization of Torrefied Coffee Grounds as Reinforcing Agent to Produce High-Quality Biodegradable PBAT Composites for Food Packaging Applications[J]. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 2017, 5(2): 1906-1916.
[23] 秦一晴. 改性蔗渣/PHBV/PBAT包装材料的研究[D]. 天津: 天津科技大学, 2022.
QIN Y Q.Study on Modified Bagasse/PHBV/PBAT Packaging Material[D]. Tianjin: Tianjin University of Science & Technology, 2022.
[24] ROBLEDO-ORTÍZ J R, MARTÍN DEL CAMPO A S, BLACKALLER J A, et al. Valorization of Sugarcane Straw for the Development of Sustainable Biopolymer-Based Composites[J]. Polymers, 2021, 13(19): 3335.
[25] 刘芹, 程建雯, 王亚琴, 等. 改性小麦秸秆粉/聚丙烯复合材料的性能研究[J]. 高分子通报, 2021(7): 58-64.
LIU Q, CHENG J W, WANG Y Q, et al.Properties of Modified Wheat Straw Powder/Polypropylene Composites[J]. Polymer Bulletin, 2021(7): 58-64.
[26] 李江. 小麦秸秆表面功能化改性对PBS性能的影响[D]. 镇江: 江苏科技大学, 2022.
LI J.Effect of Surface Functionalization Modification of Wheat Straw on Properties of PBS[D]. Zhenjiang: Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, 2022.
[27] 齐仲宇. 玉米秸秆/聚乳酸复合材料的构筑与性能优化研究[D]. 哈尔滨: 东北林业大学, 2023.
QI Z Y.Study on Construction and Performance Optimization of Corn Stalk/Polylactic Acid Composites[D]. Harbin: Northeast Forestry University, 2023.
[28] 胡建鹏, 邢东, 郭明辉. 植物纤维增强聚乳酸可生物降解复合材料研究动态[J]. 西南林业大学学报(自然科学), 2020, 40(3): 180-188.
HU J P, XING D, GUO M H.Research Process and Prospect in Plant Fiber Reinforced Polylactide Acid Biodegradable Composites[J]. Journal of Southwest Forestry University (Natural Sciences), 2020, 40(3): 180-188.
[29] 吕超, 罗书品, 唐启恒, 等. 木纤维添加量对木纤维/聚乳酸复合材料性能影响[J]. 木材科学与技术, 2024, 38(5): 68-76.
LYU C, LUO S P, TANG Q H, et al.Effect of Wood Fiber Content Ratios on the Properties of Wood Fiber/Poly Lactic Acid Composite Materials[J]. Chinese Journal of Wood Science and Technology, 2024, 38(5): 68-76.
[30] EFSA PANEL ON FOOD CONTACT MATERIALS E. Safety Assessment of the Substance Ground Sunflower Seed Hulls, for Use in Food Contact Materials[J]. EFSA Journal, 2016, 14(7): e04534.
[31] 罗鑫杰, 王宝玲, 李雪梅, 等. 咖啡渣在高分子复合材料中的应用研究综述[J]. 云南化工, 2024, 51(2): 19-21.
LUO X J, WANG B L, LI X M, et al.Research on the Application of Spent Coffee Grounds in Polymer Composite Materials[J]. Yunnan Chemical Technology, 2024, 51(2): 19-21.
[32] 高书燕, 李家栋, 陈野, 等. 淀粉基可生物降解材料研究进展[J]. 河南师范大学学报(自然科学版), 2023, 51(5): 1-14.
GAO S Y, LI J D, CHEN Y, et al.Research Progress of Starch Based Biodegradable Materials[J]. Journal of Henan Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2023, 51(5): 1-14.
[33] 林毅, 朱品玲, 严飞, 等. 改性淀粉基生物降解塑料包装的进展[J]. 塑料, 2024, 53(6): 113-120.
LIN Y, ZHU P L, YAN F, et al.Development of Modified Starch-Based Biodegradable Plastics Packaging[J]. Plastics, 2024, 53(6): 113-120.
[34] ZHANG H, WENG Y X.Safety Risks of Plant Fiber/Plastic Composites (PPCs) Intended for Food Contact: A Review of Potential Hazards and Risk Management Measures[J]. Toxics, 2021, 9(343): 1-14.
[35] TANG M M, CHEN C, SONG J Z, et al.Safety of Plant Fiber-Based Food Contact Materials: Overview of the Discovery, Identification, Detection and Risk Assessment of Unknown Risk Substances[J]. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 2024, 43: 101281.
[36] 孙梦捷, 韦存茜, 李洁君. 一次性可降解餐饮具的安全风险和管控措施[J]. 塑料助剂, 2024(4): 44-49.
SUN M J, WEI C Q, LI J J.Disposable Degradable Tableware: Safety Risks and Control Measures[J]. Plastics Additives, 2024(4): 44-49.
[37] 孙梦捷, 李洁君, 杨建平, 等. 含有植物纤维或玉米淀粉的食品接触产品质量安全风险研究[J]. 塑料工业, 2021, 49(3): 106-109.
SUN M J, LI J J, YANG J P, et al.Research on the Quality and Safety Risks of Food Contact Products Containing Plant Fiber or Corn Starch[J]. China Plastics Industry, 2021, 49(3): 106-109.
[38] 禄春强, 孙多志, 孙衎, 等. ICP-MS法测定植物纤维模塑制品中3种有害元素[J]. 食品工业, 2019, 40(4): 299-301.
LU C Q, SUN D Z, SUN K, et al.Determination of the Three Harmful Heavy Mental Ions in Plant Fiber Molded Products by ICP-MS[J]. The Food Industry, 2019, 40(4): 299-301.
[39] EFSA PANEL ON FOOD CONTACT MATERIALS E A P A (, SILANO V, BAVIERA J M B, et al. Update of the Risk Assessment of 'Wood Flour and Fibres, Untreated' (FCM No₉₆) for Use in Food Contact Materials, and Criteria for Future Applications of Materials from Plant Origin as Additives for Plastic Food Contact Materials[J]. EFSA Journal, 2019, 17(11): e05902.
[40] 卢波, 王海波, 徐龙, 等. 竹纤维密胺餐具中单体物质界面迁移的机理研究[J]. 包装工程, 2023, 44(21): 196-203.
LU B, WANG H B, XU L, et al.Mechanism of Interfacial Migration of Monomer in Bamboo Fiber/Melamine Tableware[J]. Packaging Engineering, 2023, 44(21): 196-203.
[41] BOUMA K, KALSBEEK-VAN WIJK D K, SIJM D T H M. Migration of Formaldehyde from 'Biobased' Bamboo/Melamine Cups: A Dutch Retail Survey[J]. Chemosphere, 2022, 292: 133439.
[42] 张泓, 金莉莉, 翁云宣, 等. 竹纤维密胺餐具中三聚氰胺和甲醛在酸性条件下的迁移量测定[J]. 中国食品卫生杂志, 2024, 36(1): 8-14.
ZHANG H, JIN L L, WENG Y X, et al.Migration of Melamine and Formaldehyde under Acidic Conditions in Bamboo Fiber-Melamine Resin Tableware[J]. Chinese Journal of Food Hygiene, 2024, 36(1): 8-14.
[43] BfR. Fillable Articles Made from Melamine Formaldehyde Resin, such as Coffee-to-go Cups Sold as 'Bambooware', May Leak Harmful Substances into Hot Foods[EB/OL]. (2020-11-25)[2025-06-02]. https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/349/fillable-articles-made-from-melamine-formaldehyde-resin.pdf
[44] LIU S J, WANG Y F, LIU Z R, et al.Migration of Melamine and Its Derivatives from Melamine/Bamboo/ Wheat Straw-Made Tableware Purchased from Internet Markets or Retail Shops in China[J]. Toxics, 2024, 12(143): 1-15.
[45] 孙梦捷, 石鎏杰, 李文慧, 等. 密胺及含竹纤维密胺餐具质量安全比较研究[J]. 食品工业, 2022, 43(3): 261-264.
SUN M J, SHI L J, LI W H, et al.Comparative Study on the Quality and Safety Risks of Melamine and Melamine Containing Bamboo Fiber Tableware[J]. The Food Industry, 2022, 43(3): 261-264.
[46] OSORIO J, AZNAR M, NERÍN C, et al. Ambient Mass Spectrometry as a Tool for a Rapid and Simultaneous Determination of Migrants Coming from a Bamboo-Based Biopolymer Packaging[J]. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2020, 398: 122891.
[47] LI H K, SU Q Z, LIANG J X, et al.Potential Safety Concerns of Volatile Constituents Released from Coffee-Ground-Blended Single-Use Biodegradable Drinking Straws: A Chemical Space Perspective[J]. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024, 467: 133663.
[48] 段敏, 李强, 宋楠, 等. 2014—2018年欧盟食品和饲料快速预警系统对华通报食品接触材料及制品状况分析[J]. 食品安全质量检测学报, 2019, 10(24): 8556-8561.
DUAN M, LI Q, SONG N, et al.Analysis on EU Rapid Alert System for Foodand Feed of Food Contact Materials and Products on China during 2014-2018[J]. Journal of Food Safety & Quality, 2019, 10(24): 8556-8561.
[49] 谢静, 姜侃, 王锐兰, 等. 欧盟通报我国食品接触材料安全状况分析[J]. 现代食品, 2022, 28(7): 146-149.
XIE J, JIANG K, WANG R L, et al.Analysis on the Safety of Food Contact Materials from China Alerted by the European Union[J]. Modern Food, 2022, 28(7): 146-149.
[50] European Commission. Bamboo-zling EU Enforcement Action on plastic Food Contact Materials (FCM) made of bamboo 'powder'[EB/OL].(2021-05-6)[2025-06-01]. https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/eu-agri-food-fraud-network/eu-coordinated-actions/bamboo-zling_en.
[51] Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. Benelux statement on bamboo or other unauthorized additives[EB/OL].(2021-02-15)[2025-06-01]. https:// www.nvwa.nl/binaries/nvwa/documenten/consument/eten-drinken-roken/contactmaterialen/publicaties/benelux-statement-on-bamboo-or-other-unauthorized-additives/benelux-statement-on-bamboo-or-other-unauthorized-additives.pdf.
[52] 国家卫生健康委员会, 国家市场监督管理总局. 食品安全国家标准食品接触用塑料材料及制品: GB 4806.7—2023[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2023.
National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, State Administration for Market Regulation. National Food Safety Standards Plastic Materials and Products for Food Contact: GB 4806.7—2023[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2023.
[53] 国家卫生和计划生育委员会. 食品安全国家标准食品接触材料及制品用添加剂使用标准: GB 9685—2016[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2017.
National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China. National Food Safety Standard Standards for the Use of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Products: GB 9685—2016[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2017.
[54] 中华人民共和国国家卫生健康委员会.关于巴拉圭冬青叶(马岱茶叶)等9种“三新食品”的公告[EB/OL]. (2023-12-01)[2025-05-20]. https://www.nhc.gov.cn/sps/c100088/202312/725057b39d5048b6afe1cdb1d11a2a98.shtml.
National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. Announcement on 9 "Three New Foods" Including Ilex paraguariensis Leaves (Maté Tea Leaves)[EB/OL]. (2023-12-01)[2025-05-20]. https://www.nhc.gov.cn/sps/c100088/202312/725057b39d5048b6afe1cdb1d11a2a98.shtml.
[55] 国家市场监督管理总局, 国家标准化管理委员会. 秸秆纤维基聚丙烯改性料: GB/T 36941—2018[S]. 北京: 中国标准出版社, 2019.
State Administration for Market Regulation, Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China. Modified Polypropylene Masterbatch Based on Straw Fiber: GB/T 36941—2018[S]. Beijing: Standards Press of China, 2019.
[56] European Union. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1442 of 11 July 2023 Amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on Plastic Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food, as Regards Changes to Substance Authorisations and Addition of new Substances[S]. European: Official Journal of the European Union, 2023.
[57] European Union. Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 of 14 January 2011 on Plastic Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Food[S]. European: Official Journal of the European Union, 2011.
[58] U S Food and Drug Administration. Melamine-Formaldehyde Resins in Molded Articles: 21 CFR 177.1460[S]. America:[s. n.], 2016.
[59] U S Food and Drug Administration. Urea-Formaldehyde Resins in Molded Articles: 21 CFR 177.1900[S]. America:[s. n.], 2016.
[60] U S Food and Drug Administration. Inventory of Effective Food Contact Substance(FCS) Notifications: FCN No 927[EB/OL]. (2010-03-06)[2025-06-09]. https:// www.hfpappexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/index.cfm?set=FCN&id=927&sort=FCN_No&order=DESC&startrow=1&type=basic&search=927.
[61] Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. To amend some of the standards for food, additives, etc.Notice 196th of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare[EB/OL]. (2020-04-28)[2025-07-07]. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_05148.html.
[62] Consumer Affairs Agency, Government of Japan. FAQ on Positive List System[EB/OL]. (2025-02-06)[2025-07-07]. https://www.caa.go.jp/policies/policy/standards_evaluation/appliance/positive_list_new/assets/standards_cms101_250206_01.pdf.
[63] Government of Canada. Packaging Materials Food Packaging Regulations[EB/OL]. (2023-02-17)[2025-07-07]. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/food-safety/packaging-materials.html.
[64] Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Australia/New Zealand Food Standards Code[S]. Australia/New Zealand: Gazette Notices, 2024.
[65] Standards Australia.AS 2070: 1999[S]. Australia: Gazette, 1999.