The EU has enacted Regulation (EU) 2025/40 banning PFAS in food packaging effective August 12, 2026, with strict limits: no more than 25 ppb for an individual PFAS, 250 ppb in total, and a cap of 50 ppm for total PFAS (including polymeric) in packaging.

The regulation also bans PFAS in certain fast-food packaging across the EU, including burger boxes and pastry papers, and aims to eliminate intentional use of PFAS through its concentration limits.

By 2029, member states must implement deposit-return-refund systems for beverage containers up to three liters, aligning with reuse practices already in other sectors.

Greenpeace welcomed the progress but criticized loopholes, urging stronger reuse emphasis, higher producer costs for environmental impact, and stricter limits on packaging for fruits and vegetables.

The article notes that updates will continue as the regulation is rolled out and enforced, with information potentially evolving.

The regulation sets phased targets: reduce per-capita packaging waste by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040 compared with 2018, and ensure at least 70% of packaging waste is recycled by 2030.

Local adaptation is already underway in regions like Barcelona and Garraf, with hotels adopting paper formats for sachets; exemptions exist for takeaway and healthcare settings.

The rule is part of a broader EU push to cut waste and environmental impact, affecting producers, retailers, hospitality, and consumers; the full text is Regulation (EU) 2025/40 with ongoing implementation details.

Some PFAS stock can still be used until depletion despite the new limits, and related explainer pieces are noted as context.

The regulation began applying in 2025, with gradual rollout of technical and design requirements; harmonized labeling is planned by 2028 via pictograms, and reusable containers will have special identification from 2029; national labeling rules remain until then, with QR codes and digital tools allowed for recycling information.

By 2030, stricter design standards will require minimum recycled content (at least 30%) in single-use plastics, require beverage distributors to offer a minimum share of reusable packaging, and set later deadlines for certain hospitality packaging.

Overall, the changes reflect a broader EU shift toward reducing packaging waste and boosting sustainability, drawing ongoing public coverage and reactions.