The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) will largely enter into force on August 12, 2026. In this context, a new requirement stipulates that packaging materials intended for food contact must not contain PFAS.
The following limit values must be complied with:
• < 25 ppb for each individual PFAS
• < 250 ppb for the sum of specifically detected PFAS
• < 50 ppm for total fluorine
An established approach, which has also been recognized by the European Commission, is to start with the determination of total fluorine content. If the value is < 50 ppm, the packaging material is currently considered compliant according to the state of the art.
For this purpose, Combustion Ion Chromatography (CIC) is applied. The sample material is combusted in an oxygen stream, and the combustion gases are transferred into an absorption solution. The resulting fluoride is then determined in this solution using ion chromatography.
If total fluorine levels are ≥ 50 ppm, further analyses may follow, such as the differentiation between organic and inorganic fluorine using ion chromatography or pyrolysis gas chromatography. If needed, specific PFAS analysis can be performed as the final step.
Feel free to contact us to learn which analytical methods are feasible and appropriate. We are happy to support you quickly and efficiently in meeting current PPWR requirements.
By the way, CIC can also be used to rapidly and reliably measure chlorine, bromine, and sulfur. We will find the right solution for these challenges as well.
Jun 23, 2026 Düsseldorf/Germany
