Ban on single-use plastics
A new law banning Single-Use Plastic (SUP) products came into effect in The Netherlands.
Single-use packaging containing plastics is prohibited for on-site consumption in the Netherlands but is still permitted for takeaway business, which must enable reusable containers as an alternative to SUP.
Consequently, offices, schools, restaurants, events, and sports clubs are now mandated to serve all food and drinks in reusable tableware when consumed within their premises. This demands genuine commitment from any horeca business.
Check out what you can expect below, or take our readiness test to determine your preparedness for these regulations.
Interested in learning more about how to comply with the upcoming laws?
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When: as of January 2024
What: on-site consumption
meal/snack containers & drink cups
Where: “closed environments” such as office canteens/restaurants, office cafes/espresso bars,pantries/coffee corners & food lockers, closed events, sports clubs
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Offer on-site consumption in:
1. Reusable containers and demonstrate its returned, or
2. Single-use (disposables) free from any type of plastic (neither bio-based nor fossil-based), or
3. Single-Use Plastics (SUP) with up to 5% plastic + report to ILT (volumes/weight) collect min. 75% + of which recycle 100% (food or non-food product)
4. Single-Use Plastics (SUP) with more than 5% plastic + report to ILT (volumes/weight)+ collect min. 75% + of which ensure high quality recycling 100% (food product only). Example: PET material
*Offering juices and smoothies? Ensure that bottles have lids attached and are collected for recycling after consumption.
When: as of July 2023
What: takeaway consumption (“"to go”)
meal/snack containers & drink cups
Where: cafes, espresso bars, juice bars, supermarkets & more
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Offer takeaway in:
1. Reusable containers and demonstrate their returnability or
2. Disposables free from any type of plastic (neither bio-based nor fossil-based), or
3. Charge an extra fee for Single-Use Plastics (SUP) +accept clients' own containers or offer returnable containers.
*Offering juices and smoothies? Ensure that bottles have lids attached and are collected for recycling after consumption.
When: as of July 2021
What: single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and EPS & XPS cups/meal containers=not allowed
takeaway & on-site consumption
Where: all environments (closed & open)