Taipei, Taiwan Chitec Technology (Chitec) is proud to announce that GA403, a UV absorber specifically developed for PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) material systems, has successfully passed the safety assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). This evaluation confirms that GA403 complies with EU safety requirements for Food Contact Materials (FCM) under specified conditions of use, providing the food and beverage packaging industry with an additive solution that balances regulatory compliance, safety, and superior light stability.

GA403 has officially passed the EFSA Food Contact Substance (FCS) review, becoming the first food contact new substance approved by the authority in 2026. The relevant safety assessment research has been published in the EFSA Journal, providing a solid scientific foundation for the safety of GA403 in food contact applications.

As one of the most authoritative scientific evaluation bodies in the EU food safety system, EFSA evaluates the potential health impacts of food-related substances. For food contact materials, passing an EFSA assessment means that the substance's migration risk, toxicological safety, and exposure assessment meet the stringent safety standards of the European Union.

This milestone not only marks a significant breakthrough in product safety for GA403 but also provides enhanced regulatory confidence for food and beverage brands, packaging suppliers, and PET manufacturers in the European market. Furthermore, this achievement underscores Chitec's expertise in food packaging additives and reaffirms the company's long-term commitment to helping global brands create safer, high-quality food packaging.

Food Contact Safety: A Critical Priority for Packaging

As the global food supply chain and retail environments continue to evolve, food safety and regulatory compliance have become core considerations for brands when adopting new materials, alongside basic mechanical performance and aesthetic quality.

For PET packaging, functional additives must not only enhance material performance but also ensure that no potential migration risks occur under food contact conditions.

Regarding food contact safety evaluations, GA403 has completed various migration tests using food simulants such as 10% ethanol, 3% acetic acid, and vegetable oil. Results show that under simulated conditions of 60°C for 10 days, no quantifiable migration was detected, demonstrating exceptional safety and stability for food packaging applications.

Accelerated Demand for Light Stability in the Growing PET Market

Due to its high transparency, excellent mechanical properties, and superior processability, PET has become the primary material for carbonated drinks, functional beverages, and transparent food containers.

Market research indicates that the global PET packaging market is projected to grow from approximately US$89.3 billion in 2025 to US$138.7 billion by 2035, reflecting sustained long-term demand.

However, PET itself has limited resistance to UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to light or outdoor environments can trigger photo-oxidation, leading to quality degradation in food and beverages, such as:

• Deterioration of flavor and aroma
• Degradation of vitamins and nutritional content
• Discoloration and loss of aesthetic appeal

Beverage products containing beta-carotene, natural pigments, or functional ingredients are particularly vulnerable to light-induced degradation, which can negatively impact the consumer experience and brand image.

Driving Safety and Innovation in Food Packaging Materials

The successful EFSA assessment demonstrates that GA403 meets international standards for both food contact safety and material performance. Chitec Technology will continue to invest in the research and development of light stability technology and innovative packaging materials, assisting customers in achieving the optimal balance between safety, performance, and sustainability.