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Often heard – but what exactly are PFAS?

PFAS are currently among the most widely discussed groups of substances in connection with the PPWR and other European regulations.

They comprise a large group of fluorinated chemicals that have been used, or are still being used, in various applications due to certain technical properties. For companies involved in food packaging, the primary focus is generally not the chemical assessment of individual substances.

Rather, the key question is whether the packaging used complies with the applicable legal requirements and whether the necessary supporting documentation is available. The PPWR will introduce additional requirements for certain packaging applications in relation to PFAS.

At the same time, the regulatory framework at the European level continues to evolve. As a result, the availability of reliable manufacturer information and compliance documentation is becoming increasingly important.

The presence or absence of a PFAS statement alone is generally not sufficient to fully assess a packaging solution. The decisive factors are always the specific packaging application, the applicable legal requirements and the underlying supporting documentation.

PFAS and PPWR – What Does This Mean for Food Packaging?

PFAS are currently among the most widely discussed groups of substances in connection with packaging and the PPWR. For food manufacturers, fillers and users of packaging, the primary focus is generally not the detailed chemical assessment of individual substances, but rather whether the food contact packaging used complies with applicable legal requirements and whether the necessary supporting documentation is available.

From 12 August 2026, food contact packaging may generally no longer be placed on the EU market if certain PFAS threshold values are reached or exceeded. As a result, structured documentation by manufacturers, suppliers and users is becoming increasingly important.

Topic What Does This Mean in Practice?
What Are PFAS? PFAS are a large group of fluorinated substances that have been used, or are still being used, in various applications due to specific technical properties, for example to provide grease-, water- or dirt-repellent characteristics.
Why Are PFAS Relevant? Some PFAS are considered particularly persistent and are therefore receiving increased regulatory attention. Within the packaging sector, this primarily concerns food contact packaging.
What Does the PPWR Regulate? The PPWR introduces specific future requirements relating to PFAS in food contact packaging. Packaging that reaches or exceeds certain threshold values may generally no longer be placed on the EU market from 12 August 2026 onwards.
Which Packaging Types Are Affected? Current public and regulatory discussions focus particularly on certain paper- and fibre-based food packaging applications. However, the requirements generally apply to food contact packaging as a whole and must always be assessed based on the specific packaging solution and its composition.
What Should Users Check? Verify whether current manufacturer information, declarations of conformity or supplementary PFAS statements are available for the packaging you use and whether these documents can be clearly assigned to the relevant product.
What Can Bikapack Provide? Bikapack provides available manufacturer and supplier documentation and supports the structured allocation of relevant information to packaging products.
What Remains the User's Responsibility? The assessment of the specific application, the final packaging combination and the company's role within the supply chain remains the responsibility of the respective business.

Important: The presence or absence of a PFAS statement, or a single document, is only one element of an overall assessment. The decisive factors are always the specific packaging solution, the intended application, the supporting documentation and the requirements of the applicable legislation.

Particularly in the case of combined packaging systems, not only a single material should be considered. Lids, labels, coatings, adhesives, barriers and other functional components may also be relevant to the overall assessment.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as practical guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory requirements continue to evolve. For a binding assessment, qualified legal advisors, competent authorities or relevant industry associations should be consulted where appropriate.