EU curbs on ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging kick in

A class of synthetic chemicals that take an extremely long time to break down, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) face rising restrictions worldwide due to adverse health effects.

“From now on, food-contact packaging containing PFAS above strict limits can no longer be placed on the EU market,” said a European Commission statement.

The European Union wants to cut packaging waste which has soared alongside the rise in online shopping and on-the-go consumption in the 27-country bloc.

Under the rules, which will kick in in several stages, the EU demands that all packaging must be recyclable by 2030.

Single-use packaging, like small sauce packets and mini shampoo bottles in hotels, will also be banned in 2030 where considered unnecessary or if there are more sustainable alternatives available.

There are also targets to slash packaging waste in the bloc by five percent by 2030 and 15 percent by 2040, compared with the amount in 2018.

The rules include better labelling to make it easier for Europeans to sort their waste for recycling, with information about what it is made of, where to throw it away, and how to return it for reuse.

The EU is under pressure for a broader ban on “forever chemicals”, with experts warning they pose a growing risk to health and the environment.

Chronic exposure to even low levels of PFAS has been linked to liver damage, high cholesterol, reduced immune responses, low birth weights and several kinds of cancer.

But PFAS are popular for food packaging like pizza boxes, paper bakery bags and wrapping paper because of their water- and grease-resistant properties.

Although a legislative proposal on PFAS has been promised, it is not expected to come before the end of 2026, European officials said earlier this year.