Coveris has introduced a new range of PFAS-free, monomaterial flexible packaging solutions for pet food, as the industry prepares for tighter regulatory requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The development focuses on polyethylene (PE)-based structures designed to support recyclability while eliminating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have traditionally been used to provide grease and moisture resistance in food packaging. The move comes ahead of EU restrictions on PFAS in food-contact packaging, expected to take effect from August 2026.
The portfolio includes three formats under the MonoFlex range: MonoFlexE Opti Weight, MonoFlexBE Metallised, and MonoFlexE Lite. These structures are engineered to address key performance requirements in pet food packaging, including barrier protection, pack strength, and sealing performance.
The metallised variant is designed to provide high oxygen and moisture barrier properties, supporting shelf life for premium pet food products. Other formats focus on lightweight construction to reduce material usage while maintaining structural integrity for larger pack sizes commonly used in the pet food segment.
The solutions are compatible with a range of pet food applications, including dry food, wet food, snacks, and treats. They are also designed to support print quality and integration with freshness and sealing technologies used in flexible packaging operations.
Pet food packaging presents specific technical challenges due to high fat content and extended shelf-life requirements. The introduction of PFAS-free, monomaterial solutions reflects a broader shift in the packaging industry toward compliance-driven material development, with recyclability and regulatory alignment becoming key considerations for converters and brand owners supplying to the European market.