Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the importance of plastic recycling, particularly the same-level recycling of food-contact plastics, as a significant direction for achieving high-quality green development in the context of "dual carbon" goals and green development strategies [1] - Research indicates that China's PET beverage bottle recycling rate is between 96.48% and 97.63%, which is at an advanced international level, although most recycled materials are used in non-food sectors [1] - The "same-level then down-grade" model for PET recycling has been successfully applied internationally, extending the lifecycle of PET and significantly reducing carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle [1] Group 2 - Consumer acceptance is a crucial factor for the promotion of rPET, with over 60% of consumers supporting its use in food packaging, and a willingness to pay more when aware of its benefits in energy saving and resource recycling [2] - The approval of recycled aluminum and steel cans for food contact materials by the National Health Commission in August 2024, along with the establishment of relevant standards, provides a regulatory foundation for the safety assessment and supervision of recycled materials in the food contact sector [2] - Ongoing research into quality control standards and supervision management norms for food-grade recycled plastics is underway, which will guide the production and application of these materials [2]

Core Insights - The recycling of food contact plastics, particularly the use of recycled PET (rPET) bottles, is recognized as a significant direction for environmental benefits and a crucial pathway for achieving high-quality green development [1][2] Group 1: Recycling and Environmental Impact - China's PET bottle recycling rate is between 96.48% and 97.63%, which is at an internationally advanced level, but most recycled materials are used in non-food sectors [1] - The "same-level recycling" model for PET has been successfully applied internationally, extending the lifecycle of PET and significantly reducing carbon emissions throughout its lifecycle [1] Group 2: Safety and Standards - The EU and the US have established comprehensive safety assessment and approval systems for food-grade rPET, primarily validated through "challenge tests" that simulate extreme contamination scenarios [1] - Domestic research institutions in China are conducting verification studies, showing that standardized domestic rPET recycling processes can meet food safety requirements [1] Group 3: Consumer Acceptance and Education - Over 60% of consumers support the use of rPET in food packaging, and awareness of its benefits in energy saving and resource recycling increases their willingness to pay [2] - Continuous scientific communication and public education are essential for enhancing societal recognition and acceptance of rPET [2] Group 4: Policy and Industry Development - China is the largest producer and consumer of PET bottles globally, yet the same-level utilization of rPET has not been realized [3] - Calls have been made for a clear management mechanism for the production and application of food-grade rPET to eliminate policy bottlenecks and promote high-quality industry development [3] - Currently, food-grade rPET produced in China is primarily exported, leading to resource wastage, as some rPET bottles return through cross-border e-commerce [3]