On August 12, 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will prohibit specific materials and substances in packaging placed on the European market. The bans target PFAS chemicals, heavy metals above strict thresholds, and certain single-use packaging formats. For packaging machinery operators, understanding these restrictions is essential — the materials your equipment processes determine whether your production output remains legal in the EU.
Complete List of PPWR Material Restrictions
Category 1: PFAS in Food-Contact Packaging
PFAS are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used for their water-resistant, grease-resistant, and non-stick properties. In packaging, they appear primarily in:
- Grease-resistant paper and board — fast food wrappers, bakery bags, pet food bags
- Water-proof coatings — fresh produce packaging, frozen food cartons
- Non-stick surfaces — release liners, baking parchment
The PPWR bans PFAS in all food-contact packaging when the total concentration of any PFAS substance exceeds the threshold defined by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This aligns with the broader EU restriction on PFAS under REACH.
| Material | Common PFAS Use | PPWR Status | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease-proof paper | Fluorocarbon coatings | Banned | Wax coatings, bio-based barriers |
| Water-resistant board | PFAS treatment | Banned | PE coating, PLA lamination |
| Fast food wrappers | PFAS lining | Banned | ACTGreen water-based coating |
| Pet food bags | PFAS grease barrier | Banned | EVOH-coated mono-PE |
Category 2: Heavy Metal Limits
The PPWR maintains and strengthens existing heavy metal restrictions from Directive 94/62/EC:
| Substance | Individual Limit | Cumulative Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | — | ≤100 mg/kg total |
| Cadmium (Cd) | — | (included in total) |
| Mercury (Hg) | — | (included in total) |
| Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI) | — | (included in total) |
What this means in practice: The sum of all four metals in any packaging component must not exceed 100 mg/kg (0.01% by weight). This applies to inks, pigments, coatings, adhesives, and substrate materials.
Category 3: Single-Use Packaging Bans
The PPWR introduces outright bans on specific single-use packaging applications:
| Banned Packaging Type | Effective Date | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Single-use hotel amenities packaging | August 2026 | Unnecessary single-use |
| Shrink wrap on airport luggage | August 2026 | Unnecessary single-use |
| Non-compostable fruit/vegetable stickers | August 2026 | Contamination of compost |
| Non-compostable tea bags | August 2026 | Microplastic contamination |
| Non-compostable coffee pods (single-serve) | August 2026 | Waste volume |
| Very lightweight plastic bags (<15 μm) | August 2026 | Unnecessary consumption |
| Grouped packaging (shrink wrap on multi-packs) | January 2030 | Replace with reusable or recyclable alternatives |
Source: EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2025/40
Category 4: Recyclability Requirements (Phase-Out)
While not an immediate ban, the PPWR effectively phases out non-recyclable packaging through the grading system:
| Date | Requirement |
|---|---|
| August 2026 | Grading system established |
| 2030 | Only Grade A, B, or C packaging permitted |
| 2035 | Grade C packaging reviewed for potential further restrictions |
How Banned Materials Affect Packaging Equipment
PFAS-Free Equipment Components
The PFAS ban extends beyond packaging materials to any component in direct food contact. For packaging machinery, this includes:
| Component | Common PFAS Use | Replacement Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| PTFE-coated conveyor belts | Non-stick surface | Yes — use silicone or PUR belts |
| Sealing bars with PFAS coating | Release properties | Yes — use chrome-plated or ceramic |
| Non-stick film guides | Low friction surface | Yes — use polished stainless steel |
| Food-contact gaskets | Chemical resistance | Yes — use EPDM or FKM alternatives |
Action: Request a PFAS material declaration from your equipment supplier for all food-contact components. Lintyco provides this documentation for all machines shipped to the EU.
Heavy Metal Compliance in Inks and Coatings
If your packaging line applies inline printing or coatings, verify that:
- All inks comply with EU Regulation 10/2011 (food contact) and the PPWR heavy metal limits
- Pigments are tested for lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium content
- Coatings (varnish, lacquer) meet the cumulative ≤100 mg/kg threshold
Most modern flexographic and rotogravure inks are already compliant, but older pigment stocks and imported inks may not be.
Equipment Changes for Compostable Formats
If you produce packaging for the mandatory compostable categories (tea bags, coffee pods, produce stickers), your equipment must handle:
| Film Material | Sealing Range | Machine Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| PLA (polylactic acid) | 80–110°C | Lower sealing temperature, shorter dwell |
| PBAT blends | 90–130°C | Similar to PE settings |
| Cellulose film | 100–140°C | May need adhesive sealing unit |
| Paper-based pouches | N/A | Requires cold seal or ultrasonic |
Material Compliance Verification Checklist
Before processing any packaging for the EU market, verify:
| # | Check | Method |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | PFAS content in food-contact packaging | Laboratory test per ECHA methodology |
| 2 | Cumulative heavy metals ≤100 mg/kg | ICP-MS analysis of all packaging layers |
| 3 | Recyclability grade A, B, or C | RecyClass assessment or equivalent |
| 4 | Compostable certification (if applicable) | EN 13432 or equivalent |
| 5 | Equipment PFAS declaration | Supplier material safety documentation |
| 6 | Ink and coating compliance | Migration testing per EU 10/2011 |
| 7 | Label design meets 2028 requirements | QR code + material code + manufacturer info |
| 8 | No banned single-use format | Verify packaging type against PPWR Annex |
What Leading Companies Are Doing？
At Interpack 2026, major suppliers demonstrated their approach to PPWR material compliance:
- Actega : ACTGreen water-based barrier coatings replace PFAS-treated grease-proof paper. ECOLEAF metalized labels eliminate heavy metal-based metallization.
- UPM / Michelman / BOBST: Joint bio-based packaging solution meeting both SUPD and PPWR requirements, using renewable fiber substrates with compostable barrier coatings.
- Poly-Clip : 100% biodegradable clip-pak with PLA clips and cellulose net — eliminates both PFAS and heavy metals from the packaging process.
- Yangi : Dry-formed fiber trays replacing plastic trays entirely — no PFAS, no heavy metals, fully recyclable in paper streams.
- BG Machinery: Packaging machinery also plays a key role in PPWR implementation. BG Machinery’s filling, pouch packaging, VFFS/HFFS, sealing, labeling, and turnkey packaging systems support manufacturers in adapting production lines for recyclable films, paper-based structures, and reduced-material packaging formats. While material suppliers focus on PFAS-free, heavy-metal-free, or compostable substrates, BG Machinery provides the automation flexibility needed to run these PPWR-oriented materials at industrial scale.
Source: Packaging Europe — Interpack 2026 Coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the PPWR PFAS Ban Apply to Packaging Equipment?
The PPWR bans PFAS in packaging materials. However, PFAS-containing equipment components that contact food (belts, sealing surfaces, gaskets) may transfer PFAS to the packaged product, triggering non-compliance. Best practice is to use PFAS-free components on all EU-bound production lines.
How Do I Test My Packaging for PFAS Compliance?
PFAS testing requires laboratory analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Accredited testing laboratories across the EU offer PPWR-focused PFAS screening packages. Turnaround time is typically 5–10 business days.
What Happens If My Packaging Contains Banned Materials After August 2026?
Non-compliant packaging cannot be placed on the EU market. Enforcement is by member state authorities and can include product withdrawal, import blocking, and fines up to 4% of annual EU turnover for the product category. The burden of compliance rests on the company placing the packaging on the market — typically the brand owner or importer.
Are There Exceptions to the Single-Use Packaging Bans?
Limited exceptions exist for packaging required for food safety (e.g., preventing contamination) or where no technically feasible alternative exists. These exceptions must be documented and are subject to periodic review by the European Commission.
Will the PPWR Ban PVC in Packaging?
The PPWR does not explicitly ban PVC (polyvinyl chloride). However, PVC packaging typically scores Grade D or E on recyclability due to chlorine content that contaminates recycling streams. In practice, PVC faces the same market phase-out as other Grade D/E materials by 2030.
Conclusion
The PPWR material restrictions are clear, specific, and enforceable starting August 12, 2026. The key actions for packaging machinery operators are: verify PFAS-free equipment components, confirm packaging material compliance through testing, and plan for the transition to mono-material and compostable formats.
BG Machinery provides PFAS documentation and PPWR-compatibility assessments for all packaging equipment destined for the EU market.
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