Packaging materials

Food packaging has important functions

Food packaging can consist of different materials such as plastic, glass, paper, cardboard, aluminum or tinplate. They have a protective, storage and transport function. The packaging protects our food from environmental influences (e.g. light, moisture), from contamination and damage. In addition, packaging is a carrier of important information. In this way, packaging ensures the high quality, safety and diversity of the food.

Production and safety of food packaging

Food contact materials must generally behave inertly, i.e., no substances may pass over from them to the food if this would lead to an impairment of food safety. In addition, these materials must be produced in accordance with what is known as “good manufacturing practice”, i.e., that their production must take place within the framework of documented quality assurance systems according to defined specifications. The general legal framework is set out in European Regulation (EU) No. 1935/2004. For certain material groups, such as plastics, there are also extensive individual regulations on their manufacturing processes and permitted material composition.

Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (PPWR) currently aims reducing packaging waste and promoting recycling. It came into force on 11 February 2025 and is being implemented in stages. From 12 August 2026, specific food packaging may only be placed on the market if it complies with PFAS limit values set out in Article 5(5) PPWR. The German Food Association has coordinated current issues regarding the scope of application and the determination of PFAS compliance. The information promote a uniform understanding across supply chains and support companies in achieving a pragmatic, legally compliant implementation (as at 12 June 2026).

Implementation of the PPWR requirements: PFAS limit values for food packaging Scope of Article 5(5)