Legal Framework
Legal provisions governing materials intended to come into contact with food establish the safety baseline for all packaging sold in the European market. Under EU Regulation 1935 2004, the primary mandate is that no packaging transfers chemicals to food in concentrations that pose a hazard to human health. The law also forbids any unacceptable changes in the organoleptic properties of the food.
It covers all converted and raw substrates used in transport or consumer packaging.
Compliance Requirement
Substrate manufacturers must demonstrate that their products conform to these safety principles before they enter the supply chain. Compliance with EU Regulation 1935 2004 involves rigorous migration testing and the submission of a declaration of compliance. This document details the substances used in the board manufacture and any restrictions on their use.
Food brands and converters rely on this paper trail to verify that the finished boxes are safe for their intended shelf life. The regulation requires testing against specific food simulants to prove that the limits are not exceeded.
Traceability Standard
Enforcement relies on a robust system that tracks materials at all stages of manufacture. The provisions of EU Regulation 1935 2004 demand that businesses trace their starting materials through the converting process. This traceability allows rapid product recall if a food contact failure occurs.
