What are PFAS and why are they being banned?

PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances used for grease resistance, and they are suspected of being harmful to human health, which is why the new EU regulation bans them in food packaging.

When will all the changes brought by the new regulation be visible?

Although the regulation is in force since August 12, 2026, most far-reaching changes, such as mandatory recyclability, will only become visible to consumers from 2030.

How much packaging waste does an EU citizen produce annually?

According to Eurostat data for 2023, each EU citizen generated 177.8 kilograms of packaging waste.

What are the EU's targets for reducing packaging waste?

The goal is to reduce packaging waste by 5 percent by 2030, 10 percent by 2035, and at least 15 percent by 2040, compared to 2018.

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EU Bans Harmful Chemicals in Food Packaging Starting Today

A.D. · Prije 4h | 2 min

The new packaging regulation, which took effect on August 12, bans PFAS in burger boxes and baking paper, aiming to cut packaging waste by 15 percent by 2040.

Summary

The new EU regulation, effective August 12, 2026, bans harmful PFAS chemicals in food packaging such as burger boxes.
The EU aims to reduce packaging waste by 15% by 2040 (compared to 2018), with intermediate targets of 5% by 2030 and 10% by 2035.
According to Eurostat, 177.8 kg of packaging waste per inhabitant was generated in the EU in 2023.
The regulation also foresees a future ban on lightweight plastic bags and certain single-use plastic packaging.

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As of Wednesday, August 12, 2026, stricter rules on food packaging have come into force across the European Union. The regulation bans the use of so-called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in materials that come into contact with food, such as grease-resistant burger boxes or baking paper.

These chemicals, suspected of being harmful to human health, can no longer be present in new packaging placed on the market, according to the German news agency (dpa). Existing stocks of packaging already in storage can still be used up.

Gradual Waste Reduction by 2040

The new regulation also introduces a range of other far-reaching changes, although most will not be immediately visible to consumers. According to N1, most provisions will only start to apply from 2030. One of the main goals is that all packaging should be recyclable and as small as possible in the future.

The problem of packaging waste in the EU is significant. According to data from the statistical office Eurostat, 177.8 kilograms of packaging waste per inhabitant were generated in 2023. To change this, ambitious reduction targets have been set compared to the reference year 2018: 5 percent by 2030, 10 percent by 2035, and at least 15 percent by 2040.

Ban on Single-Use Plastics

The regulation also provides for a ban on certain single-use plastic packaging, for example for unprocessed fresh fruit and vegetables. Very lightweight plastic bags will also be banned, except in cases where they are necessary for hygiene reasons or for packaging loose food products to prevent food waste, as reported by Fenix.

According to Anadolu Agency, the measures also aim to strengthen the EU's single market for packaging and facilitate cross-border business through common rules.