2026 EU PPWR Regulation Takes Effect: Material Selection For Food/Fruit And Vegetable Packaging Bags From A 34-Year-Old Factory

On August 12, 2026, the EU PPWR Regulation ((EU) 2025/40, Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) will be fully implemented, officially replacing the previous Directive 94/62/EC, imposing stricter requirements on the safety and environmental properties of materials used in food and fruit and vegetable packaging. As a packaging bag manufacturer with 34 years of experience in the industry, we combine the core requirements of the regulation with our export experience to provide compliant material selection solutions for European and American businesses.

1. Core Material Constraints of PPWR Regulations

①Hazardous substances are strictly limited: the content of a single PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in food contact packaging is <25 ppb, the total content is <250 ppb, and the content of polymeric PFAS is <50 ppm; the total content of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium is ≤100 mg/kg.

②Mandatory recyclability requirement: Starting in 2030, packaging must meet the corresponding recyclability rating (minimum 70% recycling rate), otherwise it will be banned.

③Recycled materials will gradually meet the standards: The requirements for the proportion of recycled materials in plastic packaging will be clarified in the future, and from 2029 onwards, relevant calculation and verification standards must be strictly followed.

2. Factory Compliant Material Combination Scheme

①The outer membrane is preferably made of CPP/PE material: the residue of harmful substances is close to zero, and it fully meets the requirements of PFAS and heavy metal limits.

②Inner film is compatible with OPP/PET/PA materials: OPP material offers high cost-effectiveness and is suitable for general food packaging; PET combines high barrier properties with recyclability, meeting the needs of fruit and vegetable preservation; PA material is puncture-resistant and tensile-resistant, suitable for food packaging scenarios requiring long-distance transportation.

③Full-process compliance control: All materials undergo triple checks including raw material testing, production process monitoring, and finished product sampling inspection. Complete material certificates and compliance test reports are available to help businesses quickly pass EU market access audits.

3. Customized services to meet European and American needs

Leveraging 34 years of production experience, we can customize packaging bags of different thicknesses, specifications, and functions based on the product characteristics (such as the breathability requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables, and the shelf life of pre-packaged foods) and brand demands of European and American businesses. From material selection and structural design to sample production, we provide regulatory compliance advice throughout the process, ensuring that products meet PPWR requirements while also balancing cost and practical value.