The new regulation restricts these substances in food contact materials and marks a turning point for restaurants and delivery businesses.
The new European Packaging Regulation will be rolled out progressively over the coming years. Many of its key objectives, such as ensuring all packaging is recyclable by 2030, are part of a gradual transition towards a circular economy.
However, from 12th August, certain measures will come into immediate effect, directly impacting day-to-day take-away and delivery operations. Among them is the restriction of PFAS in food packaging. PFAS have been widely used in the industry for years to provide resistance to grease and moisture. Nevertheless, the new European regulation establishes limits on their use in materials intended to come into contact with food.
ThePack®, our most future-ready range
At García de Pou, we have been working in this direction for some time, ensuring that packaging used by restaurants, fast-food chains, and take-away and delivery businesses meets these new requirements.
Our entire ThePack® range, a collection of cardboard packaging solutions for take-away and delivery, is now manufactured PFAS-free. Resistance to oils and moisture is achieved through an internal PFAS-free grease-resistant layer or, depending on the model, through coatings such as PP, PE or aluminium, ensuring food performance without compromising regulatory compliance.
Thanks to the technology we apply in manufacturing ThePack® nano-micro cardboard packaging, using three layers of virgin paper, we enhance structural strength while improving product functionality and quality. The results are lighter, more rigid boxes with improved thermal insulation, designed for professional use.
Eco-design tailored for professionals
ThePack® boxes have also been redesigned to include ventilation holes that reduce condensation during transport. This prevents fried foods, burgers or paninis from becoming soggy and losing texture before reaching the customer.
In a market where the delivery experience directly influences future purchases and online reviews, this detail makes a real difference.
With ThePack®, we cover all HORECA channel needs, offering boxes for burgers, hot dogs and paninis, window boxes, boxes with a security seal, multi-purpose boxes, salad bowls, sandwich boxes (including options with eco paper windows) and American-style boxes, among others.
A transition that goes beyond packaging
In the case of greaseproof papers used for food presentation and wrapping burgers, sandwiches or fried foods, we are progressively introducing PFAS-free references into our catalogue (identified with the letters “PF” in the code, indicating PFAS-free paper). Currently, both types coexist, but the transition towards PFAS-free models is already underway, with the aim of extending this option across the entire range.
We have also introduced cup ranges suitable for both industrial and home composting, enabling cafés, events and take-away businesses to move towards formats better aligned with organic waste management.
This evolution also extends to the hospitality sector, where refillable soap and gel systems are gradually replacing traditional single-use formats. Our refillable solutions significantly reduce the volume of packaging generated, optimise replenishment and align with the waste minimisation principles promoted by European regulations. Beyond regulatory compliance, they represent an operational improvement and a clear sign of environmental commitment to guests.
Garcia de Pou’s new catalogue responds to the growing market demand for optimal solutions within a circular economy. Although most requirements of the new Regulation will not be fully implemented until 2030, having alternatives already available helps ensure a smooth transition.
