Parallel to the exhibitions  Global Pack - Foodtech 2025, AGMPM  (Association of Materials Production & Packaging Industries) and the Technical Chamber of Greece – TEE (TSE - Scientific Committee for Chemical Engineers of the Hellenic Technical Chamber) organized on Saturday, the 8th November, a scientific event on controls and recalls of packaging materials in the European Union and in our country, which was also attended by a representative of the Hellenic Food Control Authority. (EFET).
 
The event opened with the speech of Mrs. Dimitra Skodra (elected member of the Scientific Committee for Chemical Engineering of the Central Representation of the Technical Chamber of Greece of the Technical Chamber of Greece) who addressed a greeting on behalf of the President of the TEE Mr. Giorgos Stassinos and then analyzed the role and activities of the Scientific Committee of the Specialty of Chemical Engineers (EEEXM-TEE) stating that the Scientific Committee of the Specialty of Chemical Engineers of TEE is an institution that represents the sector, supporting its scientific, technical and professional development. It contributes to the formulation of energy, environment and industry policies, while protecting and updating the professional rights of Chemical Engineers. Through workshops, seminars and partnerships, it promotes innovation, sustainable development and the active role of chemical engineering in modern society.
 
Mr. Dimitris Mantis (Chemical Engineer, the chairman of AGMPM) in his speech provided statistics on Rassf notifications on packaging materials made public in 2024 in the EU and Greece. He analyzed the main categories of paper, plastic, metal and glass packaging and referred to 20 different applications such as multi-purpose packaging, dine-out boxes, straw and bamboo-based packaging, non-certified rPET etc. In the conclusions, the absence of notifications of packaging materials produced in Greece was highlighted. On the other hand, there were notifications of movements into the EU of packaging materials from Asia with a place of business in Greece. In the end, he stressed the need to intensify controls on packaging materials imported from Asia so as not to disrupt the single European market and level playing field to the detriment of Greek production.
 
Mr. Leonidas Palilis (Chemist, Head of the Division of Nutritional Issues/Consumer Protection Division, EFET), recorded the EU legislation and referred to the function of EFET as the Greek Single Contact Point in the ACN (Alert and Cooperation Network) and as the body responsible for the management of notifications in the RASFF, AAC and FF networks. It then provided statistics for the years 2021- 2025, highlighting the main categories of non-compliance found and presented the results of the audit of Greek companies for those years.
 
The event was followed by an open discussion with many questions raised from those in attendance. The large attendance encourages us to continue our scientific activities aimed at informing the industry and the scientific community.