The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been in force since 12 August 2026. The new regulation introduces numerous obligations for packaging, including those relating to prevention, reuse, recyclability and the use of certain substances. One of the new areas of focus is the restriction of PFAS in food contact packaging.

PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, form a large group of synthetic substances that are, amongst other things, resistant to heat and chemicals, and are water-repellent and/or grease-repellent. These properties have made them suitable for various applications, including certain types of food contact packaging. At the same time, many PFAS are highly persistent in the environment. The European Union therefore wishes to further limit the presence and spread of these substances.

New limit values for food contact packaging

The PPWR sets specific limit values for PFAS in food contact packaging. From 12 August 2026, packaging falling under these provisions may not be placed on the European market if the applicable limit values are exceeded.

This does not constitute a general ban on PFAS in all packaging, but rather specific restrictions on food contact packaging.

How can compliance be demonstrated?

The PPWR requires manufacturers to draw up a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for packaging covered by the obligation. This declaration is supported by technical documentation demonstrating that the applicable requirements have been met.

For PFAS, analytical data can play an important role in this regard. An initial assessment can, for example, be carried out by determining the fluorine content. If this indicates that further analysis is required, additional testing can be carried out to ascertain whether organically bound fluorine or specific PFAS are present.

An important point to note is that a single analytical method does not automatically answer all questions regarding PFAS compliance. The appropriate approach depends on the material, the application and the legal requirements.

BVI expands its analytical capabilities

To support companies in this regard, BVI has recently acquired Combustion Ion Chromatography (C-IC) equipment. This technique can be used, amongst other things, to determine total fluorine (TF) in packaging materials.

Determining the amount of total fluorine is a valuable measurement for assessing whether PFAS might be present in a material. Determining the amount of total fluorine, with a maximum permissible value of 50 mg/kg of material, is also stipulated as the first step in the analytical conformity assessment strategy.

The new PFAS requirements under the PPWR make reliable analytical information increasingly important as part of the technical justification for packaging compliance.

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