Supplement industry urges postponement of new EU packaging regulations.

The article discusses upcoming changes under the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in the EU, focusing on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and product recyclability.

Key Points:

1. Support for Sustainable Practices:

   • The European Health Products Manufacturers (EHPM) supports the objectives of the PPWR but emphasizes the need for realistic timelines for implementation.
   • Valérie Vercammen, managing director of Be-sup, stressed that sustainability and consumer protection should work in tandem.

2. PFAS Regulations:

   • New rules banning PFAS in food-contact packaging will be enforced starting August 12. The limits are set at:
     • 25 ppb for any single PFAS compound
     • 250 ppb for total PFAS compounds
     • 50 ppm for total fluorine content unless proven otherwise.
   • Vercammen highlighted the lack of standardized testing for PFAS, complicating compliance.

3. Design for Recycling (DFR):

   • Starting in 2030, packaging must meet specified recycling grades (A, B, or C).
   • The DFR criteria are expected to be released in 2028, raising concerns about companies’ ability to meet compliance deadlines.

4. Challenges for Food Businesses:

   • Certain products, like probiotics and omega-3s, require specific packaging to maintain quality and stability. This could lead to increased waste and compromised consumer safety.
   • The EHPM is advocating for transitional measures tailored to stability-critical products and asking for legal clarity regarding existing packaging.

5. Industry Pushback:

   • Other FBOs, including the International Probiotics Association, are seeking extensions to compliance deadlines due to the unique packaging needs of their products.

6. Conclusion:

   • EHPM plans to release a position paper outlining the practical implications of the PPWR for the food supplement industry, stressing the need for sustainable practices to be economically and technically viable.