Newsroom
That souvlaki box holding back the grease, the paper wrapped around your burger, and the carton keeping your pizza from turning soggy may look harmless. But some food packaging gets those useful qualities from chemicals that can remain in the environment and the human body for years.
New European Union rules applying from Wednesday set strict limits on PFAS in packaging that comes into contact with food. PFAS are a large group of man-made substances commonly known as “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly.
They have been used to make packaging resistant to oil, water, and moisture, exactly what is needed when a paper box is carrying hot chips, a juicy burger, or a late-night portion of souvlaki.
From Aug. 12, food packaging containing PFAS above the EU’s limits can no longer be placed on the market.
For the average customer, however, lunch will probably look much the same. There is no special PFAS-free symbol to look for, and people are not expected to test their coffee cups or inspect their pizza boxes.
The responsibility falls mainly on packaging manufacturers, importers, suppliers, and the businesses using those products. Restaurants, bakeries, cafés, kiosks, and food-delivery businesses will need to make sure their packaging comes from suppliers who can show that it meets the new standards.
Why are PFAS a concern?
PFAS have been widely used because they are extremely effective. They can stop oil from leaking through a paper wrapper and prevent moisture from weakening a cardboard container.
Their strength is also the problem.
Because they do not easily break down, the chemicals can build up in soil, water, animals, and people. Some PFAS have been linked to cancers, immune-system problems, and other health risks after long-term exposure.
The new rules do not mean that every takeaway box used until now was dangerous. They set very low legal limits to reduce unnecessary exposure and gradually remove high-PFAS packaging from the food chain.
Will takeaway prices rise?
That is one of the questions facing local businesses.
Restaurants and bakeries may need to ask suppliers for new documentation or switch to different products. PFAS-free packaging is already widely available, but changing suppliers or materials could bring additional costs for some businesses.
Whether those costs eventually reach customers through the price of a coffee, sandwich, or takeaway meal remains to be seen. Much will depend on suppliers, the type of packaging used, and how prepared businesses were for the deadline.
There is also the question of enforcement. Customers cannot tell by looking at a box whether it contains PFAS, meaning authorities will have to rely on supply chain records, technical documents, and market checks.
Bigger changes are coming
The PFAS limits are one part of a much wider EU effort to tackle Europe’s mountain of packaging waste.
Europeans generate an average of about 180 kilograms of packaging waste per person each year, while packaging accounts for roughly 40% of the plastic used across the bloc.
Over the coming years, the rules will push companies toward packaging that is easier to recycle, contains less unnecessary plastic, and does not use oversized boxes filled mostly with empty space. Some single-use formats will also be restricted, while deposit-return systems for plastic bottles and cans will become more widespread.
Many of those changes will be phased in gradually, so shoppers should not expect the takeaway counter to look completely different overnight.
