Food packaging safety remains a critical concern for consumers and regulatory agencies worldwide. Among various packaging materials, paper and cardboard have gained widespread use in food packaging due to their versatility, ease of processing, and perceived environmental advantages. However, as food contact materials (FCMs), they present potential safety risks that warrant careful examination.

Paper and cardboard, derived from plant fibers, serve multiple functions in food packaging:

• Paper: Including varieties like parchment paper, commonly used for loose items such as candies and pastries.
• Cardboard: Employed for packaging both liquid and dry foods, frozen products, and fast food items.
• Corrugated cardboard: Used for direct food contact (e.g., pizza boxes) and secondary packaging.

These materials may be manufactured from bleached or unbleached virgin cellulose fibers or recycled materials. To achieve desired technical properties, various chemical additives are incorporated during production.

The production process utilizes two primary categories of additives:

• Functional additives: These remain in the final product to modify paper characteristics, including sizing agents, wet/dry strength resins, softeners, dyes, and pigments.
• Processing aids: Used to improve manufacturing efficiency, these typically leave minimal residue in finished products. Examples include defoamers, biocides, and deposit control agents.

The porous nature of paper and cardboard allows potential migration of:

Primarily originating from printing inks and lubricants, mineral oils may accumulate in human organs and pose carcinogenic risks with prolonged exposure.

Residual chemicals from UV-cured inks may trigger allergic reactions and potentially disrupt endocrine function.

These plasticizers, often present in adhesives and inks, may adversely affect reproductive development, particularly in children.

Used for water/oil resistance, these persistent chemicals may compromise immune and endocrine systems while accumulating in the environment.

Recycled paper presents unique challenges as it may contain contaminants exceeding safety thresholds from previous non-food applications. While essential for circular economies, ensuring recycled material safety proves complex due to:

• Variable contaminant profiles between batches
• Practical difficulties in comprehensive toxicological assessment

Some manufacturers have reverted to virgin fibers, while others employ functional barrier layers (e.g., plastic films or coatings) to mitigate migration risks.

Governed by Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, Europe lacks specific harmonized rules for paper packaging. Industry guidance documents and national recommendations (e.g., Germany's BfR) currently fill this gap.

The FDA regulates paper components as indirect food additives under 21 CFR 176, with additional pathways including Food Contact Substance Notifications (FCNs) and GRAS determinations.

Key approaches to enhance safety include:

• Stringent control of raw materials and additives
• Process optimization to minimize residues
• Comprehensive migration testing protocols
• Development of effective barrier technologies

Emerging trends shaping the industry:

• Sustainability: Increased use of renewable, biodegradable materials
• Functionality: Advanced barrier properties and active packaging features
• Smart packaging: Integration of tracking and monitoring technologies
• Standardization: Enhanced regulatory frameworks and testing methodologies

As awareness of food safety and environmental impact grows, the paper packaging industry faces both challenges and opportunities to develop safer, more sustainable solutions that meet evolving consumer expectations and regulatory requirements.