The Italian specialty paper manufacturer Lecta has officially launched a new line of PFAS-free labels for food packaging, marking a timely move in an industry increasingly under regulatory scrutiny. The range, introduced in July 2025, reflects the company’s response to growing concerns about the health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”, used to repel grease and moisture in food packaging materials.
The new label range is based on Lecta’s Termax and Adestor technologies, and is suitable for direct food contact, including applications such as meat, bakery, and greasy foods. In addition to being free from PFAS, the labels are designed to comply with EU food safety regulations and sustainability goals, supporting both recyclability and compostability. Lecta’s move aligns with broader trends across Europe, where the push for safer packaging materials is rapidly accelerating.
This innovation doesn’t come in a vacuum. It follows a wave of regulatory actions: In April 2024, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) drastically lowered the tolerable daily intake for BPA due to their endocrine-disrupting properties, prompting reformulations across the supply chain. This led to the so-called “Bisphenols Ban”, the European Commission’s upcoming restriction on bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols classified as “hazardous” in materials intended to come into contact with food. Lecta’s PFAS-free labels anticipate this shift, positioning the company as a proactive player in a sector where chemical safety is no longer negotiable. The rollout also speaks to a larger packaging industry challenge: how to maintain barrier performance and printability without compromising on health and sustainability. The new Lecta label is also made from C011032-certified paper from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Image Credits: Lecta
