How to protect your license to operate: Tackling PAA in laminated packaging

What most people know: The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will require plastic packaging to be recyclable and to contain recycled materials by 2030. What few realize: Your packaging’s market viability could be at serious risk if harmful substances - such as primary aromatic amines (PAA) - are formed during the recycling process.

Illustration comparing the life cycle of laminated packaging before and after the implementation of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The "before" side shows a linear process ending in disposal. The "after" side depicts a circular life cycle, where laminated packaging is collected, recycled, and reused, reflecting the goals of the PPWR to reduce waste and promote sustainability.

What PPWR means for the standard life cycle of film-to-film packaging

Starting in 2030, EU guidelines will be put in place to ensure that packaging is designed for recycling and ambitious quotas for recycled content will take effect. At the same time, the PPWR addresses the need that substances of concern (SoC) have to be considered for their negative impact on reusability or recyclability. This means that the current shift towards recycling will finally lead to stricter requirements for food packaging materials.
Among these harmful substances are primary aromatic amines (PAA) - many of which are known or suspected carcinogens. With many commonly used lamination adhesives, high-temperature processing during the recycling process can lead to the formation of PAA as toxic byproducts.

Now what does it mean for your multi-layer packaging? With our solutions, you can avoid harmful substances like PAA that are created during the recycling process. Our adhesives enable debonding PET/PE, fully compostable packaging and much more.

Dr. Axel Weiss

Director Marketing Adhesives at BASF

Ensure the safety and recyclability of your laminated packaging

By choosing BASF’s water-based Epotal^© adhesives, you eliminate the risk of toxic byproducts forming under high-temperature processing. This means one major concern is off your plate. But we offer more than just a product: At BASF, we bring decades of expertise, deliver outstanding service and collaborate with our customers so they can reach their goals.

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PPWR and Substances of Concern

The PPWR mandates that Substances of Concern (SoC) be monitored for their negative impact on the reusability or recyclability of packaging, as well as their risks to human health and the environment.
The European Commission, supported by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), plans to publish a comprehensive report by the end of 2026. New restrictions are expected to follow thereafter.

Epotal^®

Our water-based Epotal^® lamination adhesives enable our customers to create flexible, durable and food-safe packaging with more sustainable end-of-life options.

EU Regulations: How to make your packaging PPWReady

With the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the flexible packaging industry is undergoing major transformation, bringing both challenges and opportunities. In the shift toward fully recyclable laminated packaging, water-based adhesive solutions offer a fast track to safety and compliance - not just for today, but for the future.

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