Substances of Concern Under PPWR Article 5
Article 5 includes requirements relating to substances present in packaging and packaging components, including:- existing restrictions relating to lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium
- new restrictions on PFAS in food-contact packaging, applying from 12 August 2026
Smithers provides targeted analysis for PFAS and other substances of concern, supported by specialist food-contact expertise.
Chemical Analysis to Support PPWR-Driven Packaging Change
PPWR is driving changes to materials, formulations, recycled content and packaging design. Smithers provides chemical analysis and material characterisation to help organisations evaluate these changes and understand how existing and proposed packaging materials compare. Our analytical support can include:- Characterising recycled and alternative materials
- Comparing materials following formulation or supplier changes
- Investigating composition during Design for Recycling projects
- Evaluating material changes for food-contact applications
- Investigating incomplete or uncertain supplier information
- Generating analytical evidence to address PPWR documentation gaps
Food Contact Packaging
For food-contact applications, changes to packaging materials or composition may require consideration of both chemical and food-contact requirements.Smithers combines chemical analysis with specialist food-contact testing, NIAS assessment and regulatory guidance to help organisations evaluate material changes and generate evidence to support food-contact compliance and packaging decisions.
Related PPWR Testing Services
- PPWR Technical Documentation and Evidence Support
- Design for Recycling Assessments
- Recycled Content and Evidence of PCR
- Food Contact Packaging Assessment
- Packaging Performance Validation
- Compostable Packaging Assessment