EU PFAS limits: 50 ppm food packaging standards for 2026

September 26, 2026

SGS USA USA

Overview

Under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), strict limitations on PFAS in food contact packaging entering the EU market came into effect on August 12, 2026, with no transition period. Companies must immediately demonstrate compliance with specific thresholds: individual PFAS (excluding polymer PFAS) below 25 ppb, total non-polymeric PFAS below 250 ppb, and total PFAS (including polymeric PFAS) below 50 ppm as total fluorine. This marks a significant regulatory advancement for food safety and environmental protection.

In Depth

Key Findings

A major compliance milestone under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has been reached, with strict limitations on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) now applying to all food contact packaging introduced into the EU market as of August 12, 2026. Crucially, no transition period was provided, necessitating immediate demonstration of compliance by all affected businesses.

Technical / Clinical Details

The new PFAS regulations specifically restrict the presence of these compounds in food contact materials to the following precise thresholds: Firstly, individual PFAS substances (excluding polymer PFAS) must not exceed 25 parts per billion (ppb). Secondly, the sum of all non-polymeric PFAS is limited to 250 ppb. Thirdly, and most comprehensively, the total PFAS content (including polymeric PFAS) is capped at 50 parts per million (ppm) measured as total fluorine. These stringent limits are designed to minimize the migration of PFAS into food products, thereby safeguarding consumer health and the environment. The regulation impacts a wide array of materials used in food packaging, including paper, cardboard, plastics, and various coatings.

Background & Context

PFAS compounds have historically been widely used in food packaging, particularly in fast-food wrappers and take-out containers, owing to their excellent water, grease, and heat resistance. However, these “forever chemicals” are notorious for their extreme persistence in the environment, their bioaccumulation in ecosystems and human bodies, and their associated adverse health effects. The European Union’s commitment to a sustainable circular economy and consumer health protection underpins the PPWR. By imposing strict limits on PFAS, the EU aims to drive the transition towards safer and more environmentally responsible packaging solutions across the continent.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This new regulation mandates a significant transformation across the entire food contact packaging supply chain. Packaging manufacturers must accelerate the development and adoption of PFAS-free alternative materials and coating technologies, re-evaluate existing product formulations, and ensure compliance through rigorous testing and certification processes. While consumers stand to benefit from safer food packaging, businesses will face new costs and technical challenges. Prompt and effective adaptation is paramount for companies seeking to maintain their market presence within the EU.

Source: https://www.sgs.com/en-us/news/2026/09/eu-pfas-requirements-for-packaging-materials

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