EU ban on a group of PFAS chemicals also affects paper and cardboard

It bans the sale and use of uncafluorohexanoic acid ("PFHxA") and PFHxA-related substances. According to the EU Commission, these substances and the ammonium salt of PFHxA are frequently used in many industries. Large quantities are used in paper and cardboard as food packaging, among other things.

For paper and cardboard used as food contact material within the scope of Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, the ban will apply after a transitional period from 10 October 2026.

The ban also applies to certain textiles (outdoor clothing such as rain jackets), mixtures (such as waterproofing sprays), cosmetics (e.g. skin care products) and some fire-fighting foam applications. Semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen are not covered by the restriction.