Can recycled plastic pellets used in new products contain plasticizers and flame retardants?
Some concern. A 2026 study found plasticizers and organophosphate flame retardants in recycled PE and PP pellets, while its first dermal-risk model found very low risk.
What's actually in it
Recycled plastic pellets are melted plastic waste formed into small beads. Manufacturers can use them to make new products. If the old plastic carried additives, some of those additives can stay in the recycled material.
What the research says
A 2026 Sci Total Environ study tested 44 recycled polyethylene and polypropylene pellet samples. Researchers found phthalates, other plasticizers, and organophosphate flame retardants. DEHP was detected in 75% of samples, DEHT in 86%, ATBC in 75%, TCEP in 39%, and TCPP in 68%.
The same study matters for balance. Its first dermal-risk assessment found very low risk through skin contact, with limits tied to sample size and model assumptions. That means this is not a reason to panic about every recycled plastic item.
What you can do
Be pickier where contact is high. For hot food, leftovers, and kids' food storage, use glass when you can. Recycled plastic may make sense for low-contact items, but food contact deserves a tighter standard.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Quantification of phthalates, non-phthalate plasticizers, and organophosphates in recycled plastic pellets. | Sci Total Environ | 2026 |
What to use instead
Use glass storage for leftovers, hot foods, and kid food prep when you want less plastic food contact.
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