Strict EU Packaging Restrictions for Cafés, Restaurants, and Fast Food Starting August 2026: PFAS Ban and Radical Transformation of Sauce & Sugar Sachets

Strict EU Packaging Restrictions for Cafés, Restaurants, and Fast Food Starting August 2026: PFAS Ban and Radical Transformation of Sauce & Sugar Sachets

The European Union continues implementing its European Green Deal strategy—aimed at reducing waste, transitioning to a circular economy, and protecting citizens’ health from hazardous substances. A key instrument is Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR), which entered into force on 11 February 2025 and will largely apply from 12 August 2026.

This regulation replaces the older Directive 94/62/EC and introduces uniform, binding rules across all 27 EU Member States—from packaging manufacturers to restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, and delivery services.

First major phase: PFAS ban in food-contact packaging as of 12 August 2026

As of this date, placing on the EU market food-contact packaging containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—so-called “forever chemicals” that impart grease, water, and heat resistance—is prohibited.

PFAS were widely used in:

grease-resistant paper for burgers, fries, and hot dogs;
pizza and hot meal boxes;
single-use cups with protective coatings;
takeaway and fast-food packaging.

Specific limits (exceeding any one triggers prohibition):

25 ppb (parts per billion) for any individual PFAS (targeted analysis, excluding polymeric);
250 ppb for the sum of all PFAS;
50 ppm (parts per million) for total fluorine content (including polymeric PFAS).

Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers must conduct testing, switch to alternative materials (e.g., biodegradable coatings, wax, or silicone substitutes), and prepare technical documentation. Non-compliance may result in fines and product withdrawal.

Why PFAS? These substances are highly persistent in nature, bioaccumulate in humans, and are linked to increased cancer risk, immune dysfunction, hormonal disruption, and developmental issues in children. This ban directly reduces their entry into the food chain and environment.

2030: Phasing out single-use plastic sachets in on-site restaurant service

More visible changes for customers take effect from 1 January 2030. In food service establishments (restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, catering), on-site consumption (dine-in) will prohibit the use of:

single-use plastic portion packaging (sachets, mini-packets, tubes, containers) for sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, etc.);
sugar, salt, pepper, and spices;
cream and milk for coffee;
other individual portions of condiments and additives.

What replaces them?

Reusable dispensers and bottles on tables;
Large shared containers;
Portions served on request (refill format or using establishment’s tableware);
Option for customers to bring their own containers (already incentivized earlier for takeaway).

Key exceptions (sachets remain permitted):

Delivery and takeaway services (orders for collection or home delivery);
Hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions where hygiene and infection control are top priorities.

Additionally, from 2030, hotels will fully ban miniature shampoo, shower gel, lotion, and other personal care product bottles in guest rooms (replaced by fixed refill dispensers).

Additional upcoming requirements

Labelling: All packaging must feature clear, understandable sorting and disposal instructions (with symbols and text).
Waste reduction: Binding targets for reducing packaging waste per capita (vs. 2018 baseline), minimum recycled plastic content in new packaging, and reuse requirements.
Business responsibility: Manufacturers and suppliers must report compliance; food service operators must adapt service processes.

Impact on Spain and other EU countries

Spain—as all EU Member States—is legally obliged to implement the regulation without delay. Many fast-food and café chains are already piloting alternatives: PFAS-free paper cups, sauce dispensers, and reusable container incentive programs. For small businesses, the transition may pose challenges requiring investment in new equipment—but the EU pledges support through grants and transitional arrangements.

Overall, the PPWR reform is not merely a ban, but a systemic shift—from disposable “use-and-forget” to a closed-loop circular economy. Café and restaurant patrons will gradually adapt to formats less convenient—but significantly more sustainable.