Sustainable doesn’t always mean safe. Recent studies reveal how compostable materials can create unexpected migration risks.
The EU’s continued transition to sustainable food packaging materials brings new attention to food contact safety.
A 2025 EFSA “emerging risks” report identified chemical migration from biodegradable and biobased materials as a topic of increasing concern particularly for foods with high fat content or elevated storage temperatures.
While innovation in eco-friendly packaging is accelerating, compliance verification remains complex. Material substitution without migration testing can expose products to unexpected chemical transfers.
What Auditors and Regulators Are Watching
– Migration Under Heat Exposure – Biopolymers can release compounds at higher temperatures or under certain pH conditions.
– Supplier Documentation Gaps – Declarations of conformity may not specify all migration limits.
– Incomplete GMP Records – Missing process validation can complicate verification during audits.
Audit-Based Reflections on Compliance
Audits review whether businesses can demonstrate that new materials meet EU safety and documentation standards.
✅ Verification of migration test results and supplier declarations
✅ Review of conformity with EU Regulation 10/2011 and GMP 2023/2006
✅ Assessment of documentation for packaging approval and change control
Certima’s Mission
As an impartial certification body, Certima assesses compliance with international food safety measures. While Certima does not provide operational guidance, audits serve as a valuable tool for businesses looking to evaluate the effectiveness of their food safety systems and maintain alignment with regulatory and customer requirements.