New EU Packaging Rules Take Effect, Banning 'Forever Chemicals' in Food Packaging

The European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) has become applicable, introducing new rules aimed at reducing waste, increasing recycling, and restricting certain single-use packaging formats. A key measure includes the ban on food-contact packaging containing 'forever chemicals' (PFAS) above a critical threshold, effective immediately. The regulation also sets targets for recycled content in plastic packaging and mandates full recyclability for all packaging by 2030, impacting businesses across the single market and global supply chains.