What are PFAS and why do they matter?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in food packaging as grease and moisture barriers. They are now restricted in food packaging across a growing number of markets — including the EU, California, New York, and Washington — due to their persistence in the environment and links to health concerns.

Which CupsPak products are PFAS-free?

All of them. PFAS-free status is not limited to a single coating or product category — it applies across PLA, aqueous, and PE lines, and across all product categories including cups, bowls, containers, and deli paper.

Does PFAS-free mean the same as compostable or recyclable?

No. PFAS-free is a food-safety and chemical compliance attribute — it means no PFAS chemicals are present. It is separate from end-of-life attributes such as compostability (PLA) or recyclability (aqueous). All three coating options are PFAS-free; they differ in their end-of-life pathways.

Which US states have PFAS restrictions on food packaging?

As of 2024–2025, California, New York, Washington, Maine, and several other states have enacted or are enacting restrictions on PFAS in food packaging. The EU is also implementing broader restrictions. All CupsPak products are designed to meet these requirements.

What is the MOQ and lead time?

MOQ from 10,000 pcs/size. Standard production lead time is 15–25 business days after artwork approval. Free samples available within 7 days.

Chemical-Free ← Coating Guide

PFAS-Free Food Packaging

Q: Can you provide documentation for import compliance?

Yes. Test reports and declarations of compliance are available to support buyer due diligence, import documentation, and retailer compliance requirements. Contact us via the quote form to request documentation for your specific shipment.

Every CupsPak coating — PLA, aqueous, and PE — is free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances across the full product range.

Get Free Quote → Request Samples

MOQ from 10,000 pcs/size · Free samples in 7 days · 15–25 day lead time

What it is

Plain-language explanation

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in food packaging as grease and moisture barriers. They are now restricted or banned in food packaging across a growing number of markets — including the EU, California, New York, Washington, and others — due to their persistence in the environment and links to health concerns. CupsPak does not use PFAS in any coating. This applies across PLA, aqueous, and PE lines, and across all product categories including cups, bowls, containers, and deli paper. PFAS-free status is a compliance attribute of the whole range, not a separate product line. It is verified by independent 106-substance laboratory testing in accordance with Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (analysis by ICP-MS) — this is a third-party test report, not a certification scheme, and copies are available to verified buyers on request.

Cup Wall Structure

Diagram: cup wall layers (not to scale). Inner coating is the food-contact surface.

All three coating types (PLA, aqueous, PE) are PFAS-free — the compliance attribute applies across the full product range.

Key Benefits

Why buyers choose PFAS-Free Food Packaging

🚫

Zero intentionally added PFAS

No per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are used in any CupsPak coating. This applies to PLA, aqueous, and PE lines, and to all product categories.

📋

Meets FDA and LFGB food-contact standards

All coatings are tested to FDA 21 CFR (USA) and LFGB / EN 1186 (EU/Germany) food-contact safety requirements. Test reports available on request.

🌍

Compliant with EU and US state PFAS restrictions

Meets the growing list of regional PFAS restrictions on food packaging, including EU regulations and US state laws in California, New York, Washington, and others.

📄

Documentation available for import compliance

Declarations of compliance and third-party test reports are available to support buyer due diligence, import documentation, and retailer compliance requirements.

✅

Applies to the full product range

PFAS-free status is not limited to a premium tier or specific coating. It applies across PLA, aqueous, and PE lines, and across cups, bowls, containers, and accessories.

Specifications & Performance

Concrete numbers — because vague specs don't help you place an order.

Property	Value
PFAS status	Zero intentionally added PFAS
Applies to	PLA, aqueous, and PE coatings
Product scope	Cups, bowls, containers, deli paper, bags
Food-contact standards	FDA 21 CFR, LFGB / EN 1186, EU EC 1935/2004
Documentation	Test reports & declarations available on request
MOQ	From 10,000 pcs/size
Lead time	15–25 business days

PFAS-free across all coating options

Self-qualify before you enquire — the right coating depends on your market.

Coating	PFAS Status	End-of-Life	Best For
ECO / PLA	PFAS-free ✓	Industrial compost	Composting-program markets
Aqueous	PFAS-free ✓	Paper recycling	Recyclability-focused brands
PE Coated	PFAS-free ✓	Specialist recycling	High-volume, price-driven