PPWR and food packaging: what has applied since 12.08.2026?
For packaging in contact with food, PFAS limits have also applied since 12.08.2026: individual PFAS 25 ng/g, sum of PFAS 250 ng/g, total PFAS 50 mg/kg (Art. 5(5) PPWR). Suitability under food law remains a separate requirement and is still mandatory.
As of: 17.10.2026 · Reviewed by: Editorial team Elke Plastic GmbH · Information provided without guarantee, not legal advice.
The PFAS limits at a glance
| Parameter | Limit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Individual PFAS (targeted analysis, excluding polymeric PFAS) | 25 ng/g | ng/g corresponds to ppb |
| Sum of PFAS (targeted analysis, excluding polymeric PFAS) | 250 ng/g | ng/g corresponds to ppb |
| Total PFAS (including polymeric PFAS) | 50 mg/kg | mg/kg corresponds to ppm. If the total fluorine content is above 50 mg/kg, the manufacturer must, on request, demonstrate how much of the fluorine is present as PFAS or non-PFAS |
Packaging in contact with food may no longer be placed on the market if it contains PFAS at or above these limit values, unless this is already prohibited under another EU legal act. In addition, the combined limit of no more than 100 mg/kg for lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium applies to all packaging. More on this: PFAS and heavy metals in packaging.
The PPWR and food law are two separate sets of requirements
The PPWR regulates substances, evidence and, later, recyclability. Whether packaging is suitable for contact with food is governed by food contact law, for plastics including Regulations (EC) No 1935/2004 and (EU) No 10/2011. The PPWR expressly leaves the restrictions and measures under Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 unaffected (Art. 5(4)). Both must be met: a PPWR declaration of conformity does not replace suitability for food contact.
The evidence you need for food packaging
- Declaration of conformity under food contact law for the item
- PPWR declaration of conformity and the manufacturer's technical documentation
- Evidence on PFAS in the technical documentation (Art. 5(6))
- Evidence on heavy metals (sum no more than 100 mg/kg)
- Labelling under Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, Art. 15: the wording “for food contact”, an indication of the intended use or the glass and fork symbol, unless the article is clearly intended for food contact by its nature
The documents for our items are in the data sheet archive. You will find a supplier checklist under Declaration of conformity.
Typical uses and matching collections
- Bakery and patisserie: Bakery Packaging, Patisserie Packaging
- Coffee, tea, spices: Coffee Packaging, Tea packaging, Spice Packaging
- Food in general: Food packaging
Background on bakery: Bakery packaging 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Since when have the PFAS limits applied to food packaging?
Since 12.08.2026. From that day the PPWR has applied, and the restriction covers packaging in contact with food (Art. 5(5)).
Is a PE bag automatically food-safe?
No. Polyethylene is suitable as a material in principle, but what matters is whether the specific item is suitable for food contact and the corresponding evidence. Plain bags without a corresponding statement have not been tested for this.
Do the PFAS limits also apply to paper and composite packaging?
Yes. Art. 5(5) applies to packaging that comes into contact with food, regardless of the material, so also to paper, cardboard and composites.
Does the PPWR declaration of conformity replace the evidence for food contact?
No. The PPWR declaration confirms the PPWR requirements. Suitability for food contact is demonstrated separately under food contact law.