More circular end-of-life strategies (e.g., recycling and composting) for the materials discussed require technological advancement, infrastructure investment, and consumer education. Foam materials can still be disposed of in ways that fit into a circular economy. PS materials, including PS foams, can be chemically recycled, though such capabilities have yet to become mainstream . PET is the most mechanically recycled plastic (~21%, primarily from bottles) and is the only plastic being molecularly recycled at the commercial scale . PP can also be mechanically recycled , but so far has been at a reduced frequency (5.5%) . While mechanical recycling can be a helpful end-of-life strategy for PET and PP , using recycled material to produce new food contact items poses challenges . Needing to be food-grade can limit the stock of mechanically recycled plastic available for use in making food trays and takeaway containers. A similar challenge to the mechanical recycling of plastics is material contamination , which is ubiquitous when these materials are used in food applications.