EU Packaging Rules: Small Hotel Shampoo Bottles and Ketchup Sachets to Be Phased Out

The European Union began applying its new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation on 12 August. It aims to cut packaging waste and will affect hotels, restaurants and online retailers in all member states, including Latvia. The biggest changes come from 2030, but businesses are already expected to start adapting.

The European Commission, the EU's executive body, says the main goals are to reduce unnecessary packaging, encourage recycling and increase the share of products sold in reusable packaging.

Hotels

From 1 January 2030, hotels and other accommodation providers will no longer be allowed to supply single-use shampoo, shower gel or lotion bottles, or individually wrapped soap, for a guest's stay. Refillable dispensers are one alternative. The Commission notes that such bottles are often thrown away after a few uses. The ban does not remove small-size cosmetics from sale in general.

Restaurants and cafés

From 2030, single-use plastic sachets and containers of ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, coffee creamer and spices will be restricted for customers served on site. Exceptions cover ready-to-eat takeaway food and places where individual packaging is needed for hygiene or health safety, such as hospitals and care facilities.

From 12 February 2027, outlets offering takeaway drinks or meals must let customers bring their own containers, without giving them less favourable terms. From February 2028 they must also offer reusable packaging.

Deliveries and fresh produce

Online sellers must cut the use of oversized boxes that are mostly empty space. From 2030, single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables weighing up to 1.5 kg will also be restricted, with exceptions for preserving quality or preventing spoilage.

Criticism and targets

The US newspaper The Washington Post reports that the regulation creates an administrative burden for small businesses, and some have stopped shipping to other EU countries. The Commission argues that common rules could lower costs in the long run.

The EU aims to cut packaging waste per person by 5% by 2030 compared with 2018, by 10% by 2035 and by 15% by 2040.