The European Union is introducing stricter requirements for packaging to support safer materials, reduce packaging waste and accelerate the transition toward a circular economy.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on Packaging and Packaging Waste, commonly known as the PPWR, entered into force on February 11, 2025, and will generally apply from August 12, 2026. The regulation covers packaging of all materials and origins placed on the EU market. European Commission
For companies producing or sourcing food-contact packaging, one of the most important changes concerns per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a large group of synthetic chemicals used in many industrial and consumer applications. In paper-based food packaging, certain PFAS have traditionally been used to provide resistance to grease, oil and moisture.
Because many PFAS are highly persistent in the environment, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Growing concerns about their effects on people and the environment have led regulators and businesses to seek safer alternatives.
New PFAS Limits Under the PPWR
From August 12, 2026, food-contact packaging containing PFAS at or above the limits established by the PPWR may not be placed on the EU market.
The regulation sets the following concentration limits:
- 25 ppb for any individual PFAS measured through targeted analysis
- 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS measured through targeted analysis
- 50 ppm for total PFAS, including polymeric PFAS
These limits are subject to the specific conditions and exclusions set out in Article 5 of the regulation. Businesses should therefore avoid interpreting “PFAS-free” as simply meaning that no PFAS have been intentionally added. Packaging must be supported by appropriate material information, testing and technical documentation to demonstrate compliance. Official PPWR text on EUR-Lex
Why the Change Matters for Food Packaging
Grease-resistant paper is widely used for sandwiches, fried foods, baked goods, confectionery and other takeaway products. Replacing conventional fluorinated treatments while maintaining the required barrier performance can therefore present a significant technical challenge.
Packaging suppliers and food brands must balance several requirements:
- Reliable grease and oil resistance
- Food-contact safety
- Stable performance during storage and use
- Suitability for existing converting processes
- Compliance with applicable EU requirements
- Improved environmental performance
The transition is not simply about removing a chemical treatment. It requires a complete review of raw materials, coatings, production processes, testing methods and supply-chain documentation.
PFAS-Free Paper Is Becoming a Market Requirement
For businesses selling food packaging or packaged food products in the EU, compliant PFAS-free paper solutions are becoming increasingly important for maintaining market access.
Waiting until the PPWR application date may create unnecessary supply-chain pressure. Material qualification, performance testing and supplier verification can take time, particularly when packaging must meet demanding grease-resistance or heat-sealing requirements.
Starting early gives companies more time to compare alternatives, conduct packaging trials and prepare the required documentation without disrupting production.
How Businesses Can Prepare
Companies involved in food-contact packaging should begin reviewing their materials and supply chains before the new requirements apply.
1. Identify Packaging with Potential PFAS Exposure
Review food wrappers, greaseproof paper, paper bags, food boxes, liners and other packaging designed to resist oil or moisture.
2. Contact Material and Coating Suppliers
Ask suppliers whether PFAS are used during manufacturing or processing. Request declarations, technical data and relevant test reports instead of relying only on general “fluorine-free” claims.
3. Conduct Appropriate Testing
Work with qualified laboratories to determine whether packaging complies with the applicable PFAS limits. Testing should reflect the finished packaging, as coatings, inks, adhesives and converting processes may affect the final result.
4. Evaluate PFAS-Free Alternatives
Test alternative materials under real application conditions. Grease resistance, food type, temperature, storage time and converting performance should all be considered.
5. Maintain Technical Documentation
Keep supplier declarations, specifications, test results and traceability records organized and available. These documents can support compliance verification and communication throughout the supply chain.
KAFEN PFAS-Free Paper Solutions
At KAFEN, we support the transition toward safer and more sustainable food packaging with high-performance PFAS-free paper solutions.
Our paper solutions are developed to provide the functional performance required for food-contact applications while helping customers respond to changing regulatory and market expectations.
By combining specialty-paper manufacturing experience with material innovation, KAFEN helps packaging converters, food-service businesses and brand owners move toward solutions that are:
- PFAS-free
- Suitable for food-contact applications
- Designed for reliable barrier performance
- Developed with sustainability in mind
As the PPWR application date approaches, early preparation will be essential. Reviewing materials, verifying suppliers and testing alternatives now can help businesses reduce compliance risks and maintain access to the EU market.
KAFEN is ready to work with customers throughout this transition and provide paper solutions for the next generation of food packaging.