UK MPs have called for urgent restrictions on the use of PFAS in consumer goods, warning that continued exposure to so-called “forever chemicals” poses long-term risks to human health and the environment.
The recommendation reflects growing global pressure to phase out PFAS, particularly in food contact materials and packaging.
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For the global packaging sector, PFAS regulation is no longer a future issue. It is reshaping material choices, supply chains, and compliance requirements. Widely used for oil and water resistance, PFAS have been common in paper-based food packaging.
Their persistence in the environment has made them a priority target for regulators in the UK, EU and beyond.
Removing non-essential uses
The most immediate role for packaging producers is the elimination of PFAS where they are not essential for safety or performance. This approach aligns with regulatory thinking in Europe, where restrictions increasingly target entire groups of PFAS rather than individual substances.
In practical terms, this affects everyday items such as greaseproof paper, fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags and moulded fibre containers. Many of these products have historically relied on PFAS coatings to prevent leaks.
Retailers and manufacturers are already acting. Several have committed to removing PFAS from own-brand packaging. Industry bodies describe this shift as a move away from “non-essential uses”, focusing on applications where safer alternatives exist.
One policy adviser involved in the UK discussions said the priority is clear: “These chemicals should not be in products where safer options are available.”
Alternatives gain traction
As restrictions tighten, demand for PFAS-free packaging materials is increasing. Suppliers are developing barrier coatings that can deliver grease and moisture resistance without using fluorinated chemicals.
Bio-based materials are a key area of growth. Coatings derived from seaweed, starch and chitosan are being tested and scaled for commercial use. These materials aim to meet performance needs while remaining recyclable or compostable.
New technologies are also emerging. Some developers are working with advanced materials to create high-performance barriers that can replace PFAS in demanding applications. At the same time, more established options, such as wax-based coatings and certain silicone-derived compounds, are being refined.
The challenge for manufacturers is balancing performance, cost and scalability. Not all alternatives yet match the durability of PFAS, particularly for hot or oily foods. However, ongoing investment and regulatory pressure are accelerating development.
Compliance and supply chains
Regulation is driving significant changes in how packaging companies manage their supply chains. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), due to apply from August 2026, will introduce strict limits on PFAS in food contact packaging.
These include thresholds for total fluorine and individual PFAS substances. Companies must demonstrate compliance through testing and verification.
A key issue is the presence of “non-intentionally added PFAS”. These can enter packaging through recycled materials, especially paper and board. As a result, manufacturers are increasing audits and requiring more detailed declarations from suppliers.
Testing methods such as total fluorine analysis are becoming standard. This allows companies to screen materials and confirm whether packaging can be classified as PFAS-free under emerging rules.
One industry source noted: “It is no longer enough to rely on supplier statements. Companies need clear data on what is in their materials.”
Circular economy impact
The removal of PFAS is closely linked to broader sustainability goals in packaging. Materials treated with PFAS can contaminate recycling and composting streams, undermining circular economy efforts.
When PFAS enter recycled fibre, they can persist in new products. In composting systems, they may transfer to soil and water, creating further environmental exposure.
Eliminating these substances supports safer recycling and composting processes. It also aligns with increasing regulatory focus on non-toxic material cycles.
For packaging producers, the transition away from PFAS represents both a compliance requirement and a structural shift. The sector is moving towards materials that are not only functional, but also compatible with long-term environmental and health standards.
As regulatory action expands across regions, the direction of travel is clear. Packaging is no longer just part of the problem of PFAS exposure. It is becoming a central part of the solution.
