Problem introduction Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively used in the food packaging industry due to their exceptional water and oil repellency, providing essential barrier protection for products like pizza boxes, fast-food containers, and microwave popcorn bags. However, PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked to significant health risks, including bioaccumulation in humans and wildlife. The widespread contamination and toxicity concerns have prompted regulatory actions, notably the European Union’s (EU) proposed comprehensive ban on PFAS. Despite this regulatory pressure, transitioning to PFAS-free alternatives in the food packaging and food contact materials industry presents complex challenges. Research objective and main research question The objective of this study is to identify and analyze the key technical, regulatory, economic, and social barriers hindering the adoption of PFAS-free alternatives in the food packaging industry. The main research question guiding this thesis is: What are the key challenges for implementing PFAS-free alternatives in the food packaging & food contact materials industry? Methods To address this, the research applies the Technological Innovation Systems (TIS) framework, which analyzes the dynamics of innovation processes and the roles of various actors, networks, and institutions. Data collection involved a comprehensive literature review, analysis of scientific reports, examination of the annex of the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) PFAS ban proposal, semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (including manufacturers, regulators, NGOs, and industry representatives), and analysis of stakeholder responses during the ECHA’s public consultation process. Qualitative content analysis and thematic coding were employed to interpret the data and identify systemic problems within the TIS. Results The results highlight systemic barriers across multiple dimensions: manufacturers exhibit a lack of entrepreneurial activity and struggle to effectively utilize available knowledge and resources, while institutional challenges such as the absence of clear incentives, fragmented regulations, and regulatory ambiguities further hinder the transition. Additionally, weak coordination and mismatched priorities among stakeholders exacerbate the difficulty of creating alignment and legitimacy for PFAS-free alternatives. The study emphasizes that these barriers can be effectively addressed through the implementation of the comprehensive PFAS ban combined with collaborative efforts from key stakeholders. Strategies such as financial and technical support for innovation, harmonization of EU-wide regulations, and the creation of platforms for knowledge sharing and stakeholder alignment offer realistic and feasible pathways to guide the industry toward PFAS-free alternatives. These measures not only address the systemic problems but also build a foundation for sustainable innovation and market formation. Discussion This study contributes new knowledge by providing critical insights into the implementation of the proposed PFAS ban and its practical implications. The discussion highlights the positive relevance of the findings, as the results suggest that nearly all identified systemic barriers can be overcome through targeted regulatory measures and stakeholder collaboration. The practical relevance of this research is underscored by its demonstration that the current obstacles are surmountable with realistic interventions, offering actionable recommendations for the food packaging industry to transition toward PFAS-free solutions. Future research Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term performance and socio-economic impacts of alternatives while exploring mechanisms to scale their adoption across the industry.