PFAS-free packaging: navigating EU regulations

Core Viewpoint - The European Union is implementing stringent regulations to limit the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging, which poses both challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry [2][3]. Regulatory Landscape - The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will prohibit food contact packaging containing PFAS above specific concentration limits effective from 12 August 2026 [3]. - The regulation sets thresholds of 25 parts per billion (ppb) for any individual PFAS, 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS, and 50 parts per million (ppm) for polymeric PFAS [5]. Implications for the Packaging Industry - Analytical Methods: Accurate detection of PFAS in food packaging is crucial for compliance, with traditional techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) being essential for testing [4]. - Material Innovation: There is a rising demand for alternative materials that do not contain PFAS, with companies exploring biodegradable and compostable options that provide similar protective qualities [6]. - Supply Chain Adjustments: Manufacturers will need to collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure compliance with new regulations, potentially revisiting sourcing strategies and quality control processes [6]. - Consumer Trust: Brands adopting PFAS-free packaging solutions can enhance their reputation and build trust among environmentally conscious consumers [6].