Measures to reduce the use of disposable plastic cups and food packaging

Last updated: 26-04-2022

Plastic waste in the ocean, the plastic soup, is an international problem. That is why the European Union wants to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The EU have made a guideline: the European Single Use Plastic (SUP) guideline. The Dutch government also wants to reduce plastic waste, using the so-called SUP legislation.

Which products are forbidden by this Single Use Plastic guideline?

Single-use products which consist partly or fully of plastic are forbidden. The provisions in the regulation relate to 'single-use plastic products' as defined in the 'Single-Use Plastic Products Decree'. This means that all single-use drinking cups, beverage packaging, food packaging, bags, cigarette filters and more that are made partly or fully from plastics are covered by the provisions. Paper laminates or other (natural) materials are also subject to the provisions if plastic is used therein, for example in the form of a plastic coating for a water- and greaseproof effect or in the case that plastics ae used as a binder to bind fibers of other materials to keep together. Products made of biodegradable plastics, such as PLA, are also covered by the provisions.

A selection of our SUP-proof range that can be used to comply with the new regulation is shown below.

What does this Single Use Plastic guideline mean for you?

As of July 3 2021, the SUP-directive will come into effect, prohibiting the use of certain types of plastic disposable tableware. In terms this means that the following products may no longer be sold:

Also, food and drink packaging from which can be eaten immediately may no longer be given away for free. Products as an example: coffee cups, salad bowls and soup bowls.

For consumption on the go, meal delivery and pick-up, the regulation obliges points of sale where food and drinks are provided in disposable plastic cups and food packaging to offer a re-usable alternative. There is also an obligation to charge customers for the use of the plastic disposable cups and food packaging.

The new rules aim to completely ban the use of single-use plastic disposable cups and food packaging. The rules apply to single-use plastic cups and food packaging that are partly of fully made of plastic, even if there is a plastic coating in the product. The rules also apply to single-use plastic cups and food packaging made from biobased and biodegradable plastics.

An exception to these rules is possible if collection and high-quality recycling are ensured. This is not feasible for many product applications because food safety legislation doesn't allow 'product to product' recycling (with the exception of PET in a closed system).

Single-use products that consist partly or fully of plastic. The provisions in the regulation relate to single-use plastic products' as defined in the 'Single-Use Plastic Products Decree'. This means that all single-use drinking cups, beverage packaging, food packaging, bags, cigarette filters, etc. that are made partly or fully from plastics that are covered by the provisions. Paper laminates or other (natural) materials are therefore also subject to the provisions if plastic is in it, for example in the form of a (bio) plastic coating for a water- and greaseproof effect or in cases that plastics are used as a binder to bind fibers from other materials together. Products made of biodegradable plastics, such as PLA, are also covered by the provisions.

Which packaging is allowed?

Many of our products are already plastic-free and are not covered by the regulation. We are happy to help you and make the decision to switch to sustainable disposables that comply with the SUP guideline.
The SUP legislation stimulates the development of plastic-free disposables. As a leader in sustainable disposables and packaging, we already offer a lot of plastic-free packaging. Examples of plastic-free materials are sugarcane, cardboard and palmleaf. So do you want to be 100% sure that your products will still be used after this new law? Contact us to choose the right product.