The European Union published its final PFAS prohibition regulation on May 12, 2026, requiring all food-contact liquid packaging to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) starting August 2026. As a result, additive-free food-grade CRLCs have become the primary compliant alternative for European food, beverage, and edible oil producers.
Manufactured from 100% pure LDPE without harmful additives, these CRLCs pass EU food safety tests and prevent chemical leaching during long-term storage. They also meet the EU’s new 70% mandatory recycling rate for industrial liquid packaging, helping brands achieve sustainability targets.
European food and beverage manufacturers are rapidly phasing out glass bottles, metal cans, and non-recyclable hard barrels, with foldable containers becoming standard across supply chains.
Compliance and sustainability comparison:
| Parameter | Food-Grade CRLC | Traditional Food Drum | PFAS-Free | Recyclable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Pure LDPE | HDPE + additives | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| PFAS Content | 0% | <0.1% (allowed until Aug) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Recycling Rate | 100% | 60% | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Carbon Footprint | −2.1 kg CO₂e | +6.8 kg CO₂e | ✅ Better | ✅ Better |
Adapa Group notes that demand for food-grade CRLCs in Europe has surged by 45% since Q1 2026, with strong interest from major edible oil, sauce, and beverage brands.
Source: adapa Group Official Bulletin
