As of August 12, 2026, stricter rules on food-contact packaging are in force, and the new restrictions on so-called 'forever chemicals' are just the beginning of major changes awaiting consumers by 2030.
As of today, August 12, 2026, hamburger boxes, baking paper, or any other packaging intended for food contact that contains excessive amounts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can no longer be sold in the European Union. The entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) introduces strict restrictions on these chemicals, known for their extreme persistence in the environment and potential harm to health.
According to the German news agency (dpa), PFAS substances are suspected of being harmful to health, and the new rules apply to all food-contact packaging, regardless of the material from which it is made. Packaging that was lawfully placed on the market before today's date may continue to be used and does not need to be withdrawn, but all new packaging must meet the specified limits.
The regulation, in Article 5.5, sets three different thresholds for PFAS in food packaging. The first limit is 25 ppb (parts per billion) for any individual PFAS measured by specific analysis, excluding polymeric PFAS from this measurement. The second threshold is 250 ppb for the sum of all PFAS obtained by specific analyses, with prior degradation of precursors where applicable and again excluding polymeric forms. The third limit of 50 ppm (parts per million) applies to PFAS including polymeric ones.
If the total fluorine in the packaging exceeds 50 mg/kg, the manufacturer or importer must provide additional information showing how much of that fluorine comes from PFAS and how much from other substances. It is important to note that the ban applies to concentrations 'equal to or greater than' the specified values, not just those that 'exceed' them.
Although often associated with plastics, PFAS substances were used precisely for their ability to repel water and grease and can be part of various materials and coatings. The European Commission explicitly lists oil-resistant coatings for paper and cardboard that come into contact with food among their applications. This means that replacing plastic packaging with paper does not automatically eliminate the problem of these chemicals.
The ban does not apply to dishes, pans, or kitchen utensils that may also contain PFAS, as they are not packaging within the meaning of this regulation and are subject to their own rules.
Today's date marks the start of application of the PPWR, but most provisions that consumers will feel come into force gradually. According to sources, in the future, packaging will need to be recyclable and as small as possible. Certain single-use plastic packaging for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables will be banned. Very lightweight plastic carrier bags will also be banned, unless necessary for hygiene reasons or for loose food items, helping to combat food waste.
According to Eurostat, the EU's statistical office, 177.8 kilograms of packaging waste per inhabitant were generated in the Union in 2023. The new rules set ambitious reduction targets: 5 percent by 2030, 10 percent by 2035, and at least 15 percent by 2040, all compared to 2018 levels.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had already established in 2020 a tolerable weekly intake of 4.4 nanograms per kilogram of body weight for four specific PFAS: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFOS. Although this value cannot be directly compared with the limits for packaging, it illustrates the level of concern among regulators about human exposure to these substances.
