New substances authorized for plastic food packaging

The European Commission is expanding the list of authorized substances for food-contact plastics. The four new authorizations range from additives to carbon fibers. The type of food that comes into contact with the material matters. Acidic foods and infant formula require particular attention, as specific considerations or exclusions apply.

Regulation (EU) 2026/2412 amends the existing European list of substances. The new authorizations take effect on November 18, 2026.

Additive for PLA packaging

The additive with FCM number 1088 is authorized for use in polylactic acid (PLA). The maximum content is 15 percent by weight. The material must not contain starch. Similar additives that could increase migration are also excluded.

The authorization covers contact with water, fresh or chilled fruits and vegetables, and vinegar. The maximum contact time is ten days at 40 °C. The migration limit is 0.05 milligrams per kilogram of food. The limit may be exceeded when test liquids other than food simulant B are used. Simulant B is a solution containing 3 percent acetic acid.

Considerations for acidic foods

The Commission is also authorizing uncoated nano-precipitated calcium carbonate. This filler may be used in all types of polymers. Materials intended to come into contact with infant formula are excluded from this authorization.

The overall migration limit may be exceeded in contact with acidic foods. The regulation identifies this as a consideration for compliance checks.

Carbon fibers and polyamide

Chopped carbon fibers made from carbonized polyacrylonitrile are authorized for use in polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The maximum content is 40 percent by weight. The fibers must contain at least 95 percent carbon. They must not have nanoscale dimensions in any direction.

A mixture of NMDA and MODA is also authorized for use in polyamide. Manufacturers may use it only as a comonomer with terephthalic acid. The combined migration limit is 0.05 milligrams per kilogram of food.

A separate limit also applies to certain related substances. This concerns the fraction with a molecular mass below 1,000 daltons. Migration of this fraction must not exceed 5 milligrams per kilogram of food. Materials intended to come into contact with infant formula and breast milk are excluded.

Eur-lex.europa.eu