The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) (EU) 2025/40 introduces new and significantly stricter requirements for packaging placed on the European market. From 12 August 2026, manufacturers, brand owners, importers, and packaging suppliers must demonstrate compliance with requirements related to chemical safety, substances of concern, packaging composition, recyclability, recycled content, and technical documentation.

To support your compliance journey, Eurofins Consumer Product Testing offers comprehensive PPWR testing and analytical services for packaging materials, helping businesses identify potential compliance risks early and generate the evidence required for regulatory documentation and customer audits.

Whether you manufacture plastic packaging, paper and board packaging, flexible packaging, food-contact materials, transport packaging, or multi-material packaging, our laboratory services provide reliable data to support your PPWR compliance strategy.

Our PPWR Testing Services

PFAS and Total Fluorine (TOF) Analysis

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the most closely scrutinised substances under the PPWR. Our testing solutions help identify and quantify fluorinated compounds and assess compliance with applicable requirements.

Our services include:

  • Total Fluorine (TOF) screening
  • Targeted PFAS analysis
  • Risk assessment support for packaging materials
  • Comparison with applicable regulatory thresholds
  • Independent laboratory verification for technical documentation

Heavy Metal Testing

The PPWR maintains strict limits for the total concentration of certain heavy metals in packaging.

We provide testing for:

  • Lead (Pb)
  • Cadmium (Cd)
  • Mercury (Hg)
  • Hexavalent Chromium (Cr VI)

Our analytical reports support packaging manufacturers and brand owners in demonstrating compliance with PPWR requirements and related packaging legislation.

Packaging Material Compliance Testing

We help verify the chemical composition and safety of packaging materials across a broad range of applications, including:

  • Plastic packaging
  • Paper and cardboard packaging
  • Food-contact packaging
  • Recycled packaging materials
  • Consumer goods packaging
  • Cosmetic packaging
  • Household product packaging

Why Packaging Manufacturers Choose Eurofins Consumer Product Testing

As part of one of the world's leading laboratory networks, Eurofins Consumer Product Testing combines advanced analytical capabilities, regulatory expertise, and global laboratory resources to support companies navigating increasingly complex packaging legislation.

Key Benefits

✅ Reliable detection of PFAS, TOF, heavy metals, and other substances of concern

✅ Fast turnaround times to support product development and market launches

✅ Audit-ready laboratory reports for compliance documentation

✅ Independent verification from an internationally recognised testing partner

✅ Support for packaging manufacturers, converters, brand owners, retailers, and importers

✅ Access to specialised expertise in packaging compliance and food contact materials

 
Supporting Circular Packaging and Future Market Requirements

The PPWR is a key pillar of the European Union's transition towards a circular economy. Packaging companies are increasingly required to demonstrate that packaging is designed for recyclability, minimises environmental impact, and meets evolving sustainability expectations.

Analytical testing plays an important role in supporting:

  • Packaging compliance programmes
  • Supplier qualification
  • Regulatory inspections
  • Customer requirements
  • Internal risk assessments
  • Technical documentation and conformity assessments

By identifying issues early, manufacturers can reduce compliance risks, avoid costly redesigns, and accelerate time-to-market.

Industries We Support

Eurofins Consumer Product Testing provides PPWR-related testing services for:

  • Packaging manufacturers
  • Paper and board producers
  • Plastic packaging manufacturers
  • Food packaging suppliers
  • Retailers and private label companies
  • Consumer goods manufacturers
  • Cosmetics and personal care brands
  • Household product manufacturers
  • Importers and distributors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the PPWR?

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The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is the European Union's new framework for packaging sustainability and compliance. It establishes requirements related to packaging design, recyclability, recycled content, substances of concern, and technical documentation.

When does the PPWR apply?

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The main PPWR requirements become applicable from 12 August 2026, with additional requirements entering into force gradually over the coming years.

What packaging materials are affected by the PPWR?

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The PPWR applies to virtually all packaging types, including:

Why is PFAS testing important under the PPWR?

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PFAS are persistent chemicals that are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny. Testing helps manufacturers identify fluorinated substances, evaluate compliance risks, and prepare supporting documentation.

What is TOF testing?

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Total Fluorine (TOF) analysis is a screening method used to detect the presence of fluorinated substances in packaging materials. It is commonly used as an initial assessment tool when evaluating potential PFAS-related risks.

Why is heavy metal testing required?

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The PPWR continues restrictions on the combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium in packaging. Testing provides objective evidence of compliance.

Can Eurofins Consumer Product Testing support both paper and plastic packaging?

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Yes. Eurofins CPT offers PPWR-related analytical services for a wide range of packaging materials, including paper, board, plastic, recycled materials, and multi-material packaging structures.

Future-Proof Your Packaging

Prepare for the evolving regulatory landscape with trusted PPWR testing, PFAS analysis, TOF screening, heavy metal testing, and packaging compliance solutions from Eurofins Consumer Product Testing.

Reduce compliance risks, strengthen regulatory confidence, and bring PPWR-compliant packaging to market faster.

Get in touch to learn more or request your analysis