PPWR · EU Packaging Regulation As of 01.10.2026

PFAS and heavy metals in packaging

Since 12.08.2026, limits for heavy metals and a PFAS restriction for packaging with food contact apply. This page explains what that means and which evidence you need.

What are PFAS?

PFAS are a large group of artificial chemicals. They are very persistent and are therefore also called “forever chemicals”. They make surfaces water-, grease- and dirt-repellent and accumulate in the environment.

In packaging, they occur mainly in paper and board with a grease- and water-repellent coating.

PFAS restriction for food contact

Packaging with food contact may contain PFAS only below these limits:

ParameterLimit value
Individual PFAS (targeted analysis, excluding polymeric PFAS)25 ng/g
Sum of PFAS (targeted analysis, excluding polymeric PFAS)250 ng/g
Total fluorine (including polymeric PFAS)50 mg/kg

ng/g means nanograms per gram (ppb), mg/kg means milligrams per kilogram (ppm). Source: Article 5(5) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40, applicable from 12.08.2026. Status as of 01.10.2026.

Heavy metals

A sum limit applies to heavy metals:

SubstancesLimit value
Lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromiumSum of no more than 100 mg/kg in the packaging or its components

Source: Article 5(4) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40.

Which packaging is affected?

The PFAS restriction affects packaging that comes into contact with food. The heavy metal limit applies to all packaging.

PE and PP films are normally used without a PFAS coating. However, processing aids used in production can occur. That is why evidence counts, not assumptions.

This is the evidence you need

  • laboratory test report on PFAS for packaging with food contact
  • declaration or test report from the supplier on heavy metals
  • the manufacturer's EU declaration of conformity

For our products, you can find the evidence in the PPWR data sheets.

Open PPWR data sheetsAsk us

As of 01.10.2026. Information provided without guarantee, not legal advice. The text of Regulation (EU) 2025/40 is binding.

Keep reading

More on the PPWR

01 PPWR-compliant packaging All products with a green PPWR traffic light. To the collection 02 EU declaration of conformity What it must contain and what you check. View EU declaration of conformity 03 Recyclability A to C The classes and the path to Mono-PE. View classes 04 PPWR checklist To tick off and print. Open checklist 05 PPWR overview Deadlines, roles and FAQ To the overview

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Are PE bags automatically PFAS-free?

No, this cannot be said across the board. PE is normally used without a PFAS coating, but processing aids can occur. Rely on the supplier's evidence.

Does the PFAS limit also apply to packaging without food contact?

The restriction affects packaging with food contact. The heavy metal limit, by contrast, applies to all packaging.

What does ng/g mean?

Nanograms per gram. This corresponds to one part per billion (ppb).

Sources

Legal bases and authorities