Views: 107 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-07-30 Origin: Site
From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging placed on the EU market must remain below the PFAS limits established by the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Food manufacturers, private-label retailers, importers and packaging buyers should review the complete packaging structure—not only the main film—and obtain specification-linked supplier declarations, appropriate test evidence and change-control records. As a professional packaging supplier, BioPack can support material selection, component documentation, representative samples, third-party testing coordination and alternative packaging development, but the responsible economic operator must still complete the applicable PPWR conformity process.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is changing the way food businesses approve packaging materials.
From 12 August 2026, food-contact packaging must not be placed on the EU market when it contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, at or above the concentration limits established in Article 5(5) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40. The restriction applies to food-contact packaging placed on the market from that date, including packaging and packaged products imported into the European Union.
For food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, private-label retailers, packaging distributors and engineering companies, this creates a practical sourcing question:
What evidence should you expect from your packaging supplier before approving a bag, pouch, film or food wrap for the European market?
The answer is more involved than requesting a general “PFAS-free certificate.”
PFAS compliance needs to be linked to a defined packaging structure, a representative production sample and a traceable set of supporting documents. A statement issued for one paper grade, coating or base film may not automatically cover the final printed and laminated package.
At BioPack, we recommend treating PFAS compliance as part of packaging specification control—not as a marketing badge added at the end of a project.
The PPWR sets three PFAS concentration limits for food-contact packaging.
Packaging must not be placed on the EU market when the concentration is equal to or above one of these limits. Polymeric PFAS are excluded from the first two targeted-analysis calculations but included in the total PFAS threshold.
The three figures should not be treated as three different ways of saying the same thing. They address different analytical scopes:
The 25 ppb limit applies to an individual targeted PFAS.
The 250 ppb limit applies to the combined amount of targeted PFAS.
The 50 ppm limit covers total PFAS, including polymeric PFAS.
This distinction matters when reviewing laboratory reports. A report for total fluorine, a targeted PFAS panel and a “no intentionally added PFAS” supplier statement provide different types of information.
PFAS have historically been associated with properties such as oil resistance, water resistance, stain resistance, release performance and chemical durability.
For packaging buyers, the higher-priority review areas normally include:
Paper bakery wraps, takeaway packs, moulded fibre containers and coated paper bags may use surface treatments to improve oil and moisture resistance.
The natural appearance of paper is not evidence that the packaging is free from PFAS. The relevant substance may be in a coating or processing treatment rather than in the fibre itself.
Release coatings, heat-resistant coatings, water-resistant surfaces and specialist barrier treatments should be checked.
This is particularly relevant where a package needs to resist oil, sauces, fat or hot food.
The main film may have satisfactory documentation, while the ink, overprint varnish or adhesive is supplied under a different formulation.
For a printed laminate, the supporting information should reflect the commercial structure rather than only an unprinted laboratory film.
Accessories are sometimes omitted from early compliance reviews because they represent a small percentage of the package.
However, PPWR documentation should relate to the packaging as placed on the market. Integrated and separate components should therefore be included in the specification review.
The European Commission’s PPWR FAQ states that there is no PFAS exemption for packaging containing recycled material.
Recycled-content packaging can still be a suitable option, but material origin, consistency and contamination-control procedures should be understood.
Article 16 of the PPWR requires suppliers to provide manufacturers with the information and documentation necessary to demonstrate the conformity of packaging and packaging materials. This includes relevant information required for the technical documentation under Annex VII.
For food-contact flexible packaging, the purchasing file should normally include several types of information.
Packaging specification
PFAS supplier statement
Test report
Food-contact documentation
Change-control record
A packaging supplier cannot replace the legal responsibilities of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible economic operator. It can, however, make the conformity process much more manageable.
For PPWR-related food packaging projects, BioPack can support customers in the following areas.
Application and material review
Complete structure mapping
Supporting supplier documentation
Representative samples
Third-party testing coordination
Alternative packaging structures
Line trials and performance checks
What are the PFAS limits for food packaging?
The PPWR establishes limits of 25 ppb for an individual targeted PFAS, 250 ppb for the sum of targeted PFAS and 50 ppm for total PFAS, including polymeric PFAS.
Does the PPWR ban all detectable PFAS?
The regulation prevents food-contact packaging from being placed on the market when PFAS concentrations are equal to or above the specified limits. It is not written as a simple zero-detection requirement.
Is a PFAS-free declaration enough?
A declaration is useful, but it should identify the specific material and product version. Depending on risk, finished-package testing and additional supporting documentation may also be needed.
Is “no intentionally added PFAS” the same as PFAS-free?
No. “No intentionally added PFAS” normally refers to formulation intent. It does not automatically prove that no trace PFAS is present or that the finished packaging is below every PPWR threshold.
Does paper food packaging need to be checked?
Yes. Paper and fibre packaging may use coatings or treatments for grease, oil or moisture resistance, so the complete structure should be reviewed.
Are recyclable food pouches automatically PFAS-compliant?
No. Recyclability and PFAS compliance are different requirements.
Are compostable food packages automatically PFAS-compliant?
No. Compostability certification does not replace a PFAS assessment.
Should the packaging film or finished pouch be tested?
The appropriate sample depends on the project. Finished packaging may be more representative where printing, lamination, coatings or accessories are involved.
Can old packaging inventory be used after August 2026?
Packaging placed on the EU market after 12 August 2026 must comply with the PFAS limits, even if it was manufactured earlier. Businesses should assess the date on which packaging or packaged products are legally placed on the market.
The most important PPWR lesson for packaging buyers is simple:
Do not approve PFAS compliance based only on the commercial name of a material.
“Paper,” “recyclable,” “compostable,” “mono-material” and “bio-based” describe selected packaging characteristics. They do not, by themselves, demonstrate the PFAS status of the finished package.
BioPack works with food manufacturers, retailers, distributors, packaging agents and project companies to develop custom packaging based on product protection, production requirements and target-market expectations.
When discussing an EU food packaging project, send us the product type, packaging format, proposed material, storage conditions, annual volume and target launch date. Our team can review the proposed structure, identify the information that should be prepared and recommend suitable samples or alternative material routes.
This article provides general packaging and regulatory information and does not constitute legal advice. Businesses should confirm their own obligations with an appropriate regulatory or legal adviser.
