Packaging doesn’t just protect your product — it protects your consumers and your brand.
The regulatory landscape around food packaging is evolving quickly in 2026 — new PFAS rules, a reorganized FDA, enhanced traceability mandates, and proposed labeling changes are all moving forward at the same time. That can feel overwhelming, but brands that stay informed and partner with the right suppliers are in a strong position to turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Here’s a practical look at what’s changing and what it means for your packaging decisions.
1. PFAS Regulations Are Expanding — Here’s Where Things Stand
PFAS — the “forever chemicals” found in certain coatings and grease-resistant packaging — continue to be a top regulatory priority. The landscape is moving fast, but it’s manageable if you know what to track.
Key Developments
- The EU's PPWR bans intentionally added PFAS in all food-contact packaging starting August 12, 2026
- 15 US states now have PFAS restrictions on food packaging.
What this means for brands: The regulatory direction is clearly toward tighter PFAS controls in food-contact packaging, but “PFAS-free” is not the universal legal standard. In most U.S. jurisdictions, the operative requirement is still no intentionally added PFAS, sometimes with incidental or trace allowances. In the EU, the standard is compliance with finished-product PFAS thresholds. For compliance language, “no intentionally added PFAS” or “compliant with applicable PFAS limits” is usually more accurate than “PFAS-free” unless you have strong substantiation for that claim.
2. The FDA Is Reorganizing — And Packaging Is Part of the Picture
The Human Foods Program (HFP) is the FDA’s new unified organization for everything related to human food and is expected to be fully operational by mid-2026. The reorganization centralizes the food safety, nutrition & labeling, dietary supplements, and food innovations safety under one umbrella — which should mean more consistent enforcement and faster follow-up on inspection findings.
What packaging buyers should watch:
- Updated labeling compliance program: The first update since 2010. Inspectors will use this as the primary reference during routine inspections, legacy labels and transitional SKUs that don't reflect current standards are more likely to be flagged
- Front-of-package nutrition labeling: The FDA has proposed requiring a "Nutrition Info Box" on the front of most packaged foods showing saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars
- GRAS reform: The FDA plans to require formal submissions for all new substances claimed as Generally Recognized as Safe
- Food additive reviews: Post-market safety reviews are underway for chemicals used in food, including BHA, which is now under formal reassessment
- BRIDGE initiative: The FDA is expanding inspections by leveraging state resources, which means more facilities getting audited more frequently
The overall theme is transparency and accountability — and that extends to packaging materials, labeling, and supply chain documentation.
3. FSMA Rule 204 Traceability Is Now Being Enforced
As of January 2026, FSMA Rule 204 requires enhanced traceability records for high-risk foods on the FDA’s Food Traceability List. That means packaging needs to support the traceability infrastructure your supply chain now requires — including lot codes, Key Data Elements, and documentation for Critical Tracking Events like packing, shipping, and receiving.
This is less about packaging materials and more about packaging systems — making sure your labels, coding, and data capabilities align with the new recordkeeping requirements.
4. Product-Level Testing: Your Proof of Compliance
Facility certifications tell you the supplier runs a safe operation. Product-level testing tells you the specific packaging you’re buying is safe for your specific application. Both matter.
The three tests that matter most for food-contact packaging:
- FDA compliance testing: material composition, migration limits, and suitability for consumer use
- Heavy-metal testing: verifying absence of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic metals at harmful levels
- PFAS verification: confirming no "forever chemicals" are intentionally added, with documented proof meeting state and EU thresholds
Third-party testing through accredited labs like TÜV SÜD, Intertek, and SGS provides the documentation you need to prove compliance across jurisdictions. That documentation is increasingly valuable as brands navigate a patchwork of state, federal, and international requirements.
Evergreen partners with accredited third-party labs to provide FDA compliance testing on all our food and beverage packaging — giving customers the documentation needed to support regulatory confidence across markets.
5. Know Your Facility-Level Certifications
When evaluating packaging suppliers, look for globally recognized certifications on food safety — any one of these is a strong signal:
- ISO 22000 - Food Safety Management System: ISO 22000 establishes comprehensive food safety management systems, particularly for food packaging and handling.
- FSSC 22000 - Food Safety System Certification: FSSC 22000 is a globally recognized certification ensuring food safety across supply chains, from production to storage.
- SQF - Safe Quality Food Certification: SQF certification guarantees compliance with food safety regulations for packaging suppliers, ensuring high-quality food products.
- BRCGS / BRC - Brand Reputation Compliance: BRCGS / BRC certification ensures packaging materials meet global safety and quality standards for consumer protection.
- HACCP - Hazard Prevention in Production & Packaging: HACCP provides a risk-based approach to food safety, preventing hazards during food production and packaging.
With expanded FDA inspections on the horizon, suppliers with robust certifications are better prepared for audits — and that preparation protects you too.
Evergreen’s globally qualified manufacturing facilities maintain key food safety and quality certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and FSSC 22000.
The Bottom Line
There’s a lot evolving in food packaging safety this year — but much of it follows a clear direction. As regulatory expectations become more defined, brands that stay informed, work with certified suppliers, and prioritize validated testing are better positioned to navigate these changes and support long-term consumer trust.
If you’re evaluating packaging safety for a new launch or want to strengthen compliance across your existing line, connect with Evergreen Resources here on LinkedIn or contact us today.
