New Packaging Regulation: PFAS Ban in Food Contact Materials from August 2026
A major change for manufacturers and importers of packaging As of August 12, 2026, new requirements under the European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will begin to apply. One of the most significant changes is the restriction of PFAS substances in packaging intended for food contact.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of chemicals known for their resistance to water, grease, and high temperatures. For this reason, they have been widely used in food packaging, particularly in paper and cardboard materials with barrier coatings, such as fast-food packaging or grease-resistant wrappers.
The new regulation introduces strict limits on PFAS content, which in practice will lead to their gradual elimination from food contact packaging. This is due to their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects.
For manufacturers, importers, and distributors, this means a need to reassess the materials used and ensure compliance before placing products on the market. Increased attention will also need to be paid to supplier selection and technical documentation demonstrating product compliance.
This change will have a significant impact especially on the food sector, where packaging is an integral part of the product. In practice, it will no longer be sufficient to address only food safety, but also the composition and properties of the packaging itself.
From a regulatory perspective, this represents a major shift towards stricter control of chemical substances in food contact materials, with 2026 marking the beginning of practical enforcement.