EU curbs on 'forever chemicals' in food packaging take effect

New European Union restrictions on toxic substances known as "forever chemicals" in food packaging took effect on Wednesday, along with broader rules aimed at cutting packaging waste across the bloc, according to The Local Italy.

The measures target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals used for their resistance to heat, water and grease. They have been linked to health problems including cancer and hormone disruption, and are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment.

The rules are part of a wider EU push to reduce packaging waste and make all packaging recyclable by 2030. For Italy, a major exporter of food products, the change means producers and packaging manufacturers must now verify that their wrapping complies with the new limits.

The timing is significant for Italy's food industry, which relies heavily on packaging to protect products ranging from pasta and olive oil to cured meats and cheese. The Marche region, with its network of small and medium-sized food producers and its proximity to major agricultural districts, is among the areas that will feel the impact most directly.

The new rules come as the EU also tightens regulations on packaging waste, requiring member states to reduce the volume of packaging they put on the market. For Italian firms, many of them family-run operations with limited capacity for regulatory compliance, the changes add another layer of administrative burden.

Industry observers note that the transition to PFAS-free packaging may raise costs in the short term, but could also open opportunities for Italian manufacturers that specialise in sustainable materials. The Marche region has a strong tradition of paper and cardboard production, particularly in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, which could benefit from increased demand for recyclable alternatives.

The EU's broader packaging rules, which include targets for recycled content and requirements for reusable packaging in some sectors, are expected to be phased in over the coming years. Italian producers have been preparing for the changes, but the Wednesday deadline marks the first concrete step in a process that will reshape how food is packaged and sold across the bloc.

Consumer groups have welcomed the restrictions as a necessary step to protect public health, while industry associations have called for clear guidance and adequate transition periods. The European Commission has said it will monitor compliance and provide support to businesses adapting to the new rules.