Food packaging containing PFAS — synthetic chemicals used to make containers resistant to grease, water, and moisture — will be banned from the EU market from August 12, 2026, under a binding European regulation that takes effect without a transition period.
The ban is set out in EU Regulation 2025/40, known as the PPWR, which establishes specific limits for PFAS in packaging that comes into contact with food. Any packaging at or above those limits cannot be placed on the EU market from that date. Former MP Charalambos Theopemptou, who has been tracking the regulation, said it applies automatically and immediately across all EU member states.
What packaging is affected
The types of packaging under scrutiny include paper bowls for salads or noodles with resistant coatings, burger and fried food boxes, sandwich and gyro wrappers, bags for baked goods with greasy surfaces, paper containers for hot or fatty meals, and other packaging in direct contact with food. PFAS are commonly found in such products because they offer commercially attractive properties — resistance to grease, water, and stains — but are known as “forever chemicals” because they are extremely persistent in the environment.
Concerns over PFAS centre on their potential health effects after prolonged exposure, including carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, reproductive toxicity, and damage to organs, Theopemptou said.
Who is affected in Cyprus
In Cyprus, Theopemptou said the regulation will first affect producers and importers of packaging, as well as suppliers of paper, plastic, or composite food-contact materials. Supermarkets, bakeries, patisseries, cafés, restaurants, take-away and delivery businesses, hotels, organised catering venues, and HORECA businesses are also affected.
He noted that in a country with high tourist activity and heavy use of single-use packaging at beaches, hotels, festivals, and leisure venues, adaptation needs to happen promptly.
What businesses must do
Theopemptou said businesses will no longer be able to rely on general assurances such as “the packaging is safe” or “it is food grade.” Specific documentation demonstrating compliance with the PPWR will be required, covering PFAS content across the entire packaging unit — including inks, varnishes, adhesives, and coatings, not just the base material.
Suppliers must provide the information and documents needed to identify PFAS or other substances of concern and to draw up a declaration of conformity. Businesses must request compliance declarations, technical data sheets, material and coating information, traceability data by packaging type or batch, and, where risk exists, laboratory analysis.
Theopemptou urged businesses not to wait until August to act, noting that switching suppliers, gathering documentation, confirming materials, and planning stock levels all take time.
