From food safe to future ready

What lies beneath

Selecting packaging materials is not just a design decision. It is a supply chain responsibility.

To ensure packaging is safe and compliant, you need insight into:

• Legislation for food contact materials
• Migration testing and limit values
• Requirements from customers and supply chain partners
• Emerging regulations such as PPWR and sustainability expectations

Without this insight, packaging is never fully substantiated. With the right approach, it becomes proof of quality and future readiness.

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Leadership means making informed choices

Responsibility for packaging materials no longer lies solely with R&D. QA, procurement, marketing, and specification management must work together to ensure safety, compliance, and sustainability. Organisations that manage this effectively do more than prevent incidents. They build trust in their brand and strengthen their position in the supply chain.

Three levels of development

Compliance | Meeting legal requirements

Mapping all packaging materials and verifying compliance with applicable legislation. Documentation such as Declarations of Compliance is in place, materials meet requirements, and QA understands what is expected. Testing, training, and data sources support this process.

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Compliance+ | Preparing for new regulations

Actively developing packaging documentation with a focus on upcoming regulations such as the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Materials are evaluated, risks are analysed, and data is structured. The organisation understands upcoming changes and acts accordingly.

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Strategic | Optimising and innovating

Taking a strategic approach to packaging materials. The organisation stays informed about market developments, anticipates emerging requirements such as recyclability, PFAS restrictions, and origin transparency, and translates these into policy, material selection, and innovation.

Packaging becomes not a compliance burden, but a competitive advantage.

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What it delivers

A strong packaging materials approach provides:

• Compliance with food contact material legislation and customer expectations
• Demonstrable material safety and control over migration risks
• Stronger collaboration between QA, procurement, and R&D
• Preparation for PPWR and other upcoming regulations
• Insight into both risks and opportunities for innovation

Packaging is never just a container. It is where safety, regulation, and brand value come together.

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Where do you stand?

Do you know what is in your packaging? Is your documentation complete? Does everything comply with current legislation? And are you prepared for what is coming next? Mérieux NutriSciences | Expert Partners helps you gain insight, manage risks, and turn packaging materials into confidence and control.