With the new EU packaging regulation PPWR, which will apply from 12 August 2026, the European Union is significantly tightening the requirements for food packaging. The focus is particularly on binding limit values for PFAS for the first time, as Dekra reports. The regulation affects manufacturers and distributors alike and is forcing the industry to make extensive adjustments.
When the regulation comes into force, perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact materials will be strictly regulated. This group of substances, often referred to as „perpetuity chemicals“, is used in cardboard packaging, among other things, to ensure moisture resistance.
Very low limit values increase the risk of contamination
The new requirements set extremely low limits and go beyond the regulation of individual substances. All compounds that fall under the PFAS definition are covered. Specifically, limit values of 25 ppb for individual PFAS compounds, 250 ppb for the sum of identified substances and 50 ppm for the total fluorine content including polymeric PFAS will apply in future.
According to Dekra, these strict limits harbour a considerable risk of unintentional exceedance, for example due to carryover or trace contamination along the production chain. For packaging manufacturers, this means significantly increased requirements for material selection, process control and analytics.
Further obligations along the entire packaging life cycle
In addition to the PFAS restrictions, the regulation obliges companies to take extensive measures to minimise waste. These include requirements for recyclability, minimum proportions of recyclates, the reduction of packaging material and improved labelling.
These requirements are being introduced gradually and affect the entire life cycle of packaging. Companies must adapt their products and processes accordingly at an early stage in order to fulfil the future requirements.
Conformity assessment becomes mandatory before market launch
A central element of the new regulation is the mandatory conformity assessment prior to placing on the market. In future, manufacturers will have to carry out an internal production control procedure and prepare comprehensive technical documentation.
Source: Dekra
