Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS)
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are a group of more than 10,000 estimated substances that are used in packaging, for example, due to their surface activity and thus their grease and water-repellent properties as well as their heat stability, but are also used as process aids and polymerization aids, surfactants, sealants or in paints. As they are not easily biodegradable, they are also referred to as "eternity chemicals". In 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated the diverse evidence on the toxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and in 2020 set tolerable weekly intake (TWI) limits of 4.4 ng/kg body weight per day in some foods.
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), published on 22.01.2025, contains important regulations on limiting perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. From 12.08.2026, food packaging may no longer be placed on the market if it contains PFAS in a concentration equal to or above the following limit values to the extent that the placing on the market of packaging containing such a concentration of PFAS is not prohibited pursuant to another Union legal act:
a) 25 ppb for any PFAS as measured with targeted PFAS analysis (polymeric PFAS excluded from quantification)
b) 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS measured as the sum of targeted PFAS analysis, where applicable with prior degradation of precursors (polymeric PFAS excluded)
c) 50 ppm for PFASs (including polymeric PFAS); if total fluorine (TF) exceeds 50 mg/kg the manufacturer or importer smust provide proof of the quantity of fluorine measured on request.
In short — AI-generated
This test checks for the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) in packaging materials. The test involves analyzing the packaging material for PFAS using methods such as targeted PFAS analysis, oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion, and ion chromatography. The goal is to determine the concentration of PFAS in the material.
The resulting value indicates the concentration of PFAS in the packaging material, which is used to determine compliance with regulatory limits. The value is compared to the limit values set by Regulation (EU) 2025/40, such as 25 ppb for any PFAS or 50 ppm for PFAS including polymeric PFAS. This information is used by packaging developers and buyers to ensure that their products meet the required safety standards.
Text is AI-generated; based on test method data curated and verified by Innoform.
Standard Tests
TF (Total Fluorine)
Specific Norm: DIN EN 15408 (in Anlehnung)
Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR), published on 22.01.2025, contains important regulations on limiting perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging. From 12.08.2026, food packaging may no longer be placed on the market if it contains PFAS in a concentration equal to or above the following limit values to the extent that the placing on the market of packaging containing such a concentration of PFAS is not prohibited pursuant to another Union legal act:
a) 25 ppb for any PFAS as measured with targeted PFAS analysis (polymeric PFAS excluded from quantification)
b) 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS measured as the sum of targeted PFAS analysis, where applicable with prior degradation of precursors (polymeric PFAS excluded)
c) 50 ppm for PFASs (including polymeric PFAS); if total fluorine (TF) exceeds 50 mg/kg the manufacturer or importer smust provide proof of the quantity of fluorine measured on request.
