EU curbs on 'forever chemicals' in food packaging kick in

The European Union introduced new regulations on Wednesday to restrict the use of toxic chemicals known as forever chemicals in food packaging, alongside broader measures to reduce packaging waste across the bloc. These per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which persist in the environment for extremely long periods, are facing increasing scrutiny worldwide due to health risks.

According to a European Commission announcement, food-contact packaging containing PFAS levels exceeding set limits will no longer be permitted on the EU market. The EU aims to slash packaging waste, which has surged with the surge in online shopping and on-the-go consumption in its 27-member countries. By 2030, all packaging must be recyclable, and single-use items such as small sauce packets and mini shampoo bottles in hotels will be banned if deemed unnecessary or if more sustainable alternatives exist.

Additionally, the bloc targets a 5% reduction in packaging waste by 2030 and 15% by 2040 compared to 2018 levels. The rules also introduce improved labeling to facilitate waste sorting, providing details on composition, disposal instructions, and reuse options. Europe is pushing for a comprehensive ban on forever chemicals, as experts warn these substances pose a growing threat to health and the environment.

Chronic exposure to low levels of PFAS has been connected to liver damage, high cholesterol, weakened immune responses, low birth weights, and various cancers. However, a proposed legislation on PFAS has been delayed until late 2026 at the earliest, according to European officials.