To tackle the problem of the plastic soup, the European Union has drawn up the Singel Use Plastics Directive. It aims to reduce the use of disposable plastic and thus contribute to a cleaner living environment for humans and animals.

Since 2017 it has been forbidden to provide (free) plastic bags in shops and supermarkets. Plastic straws, cutlery, plates and stirrers may no longer be sold since July 2021. And on 1 January 2023, additional measures came into effect that affect the rates of disposable packaging containing plastic. In this blog you will find more information about the new measures that will come into effect from July 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024, and we will discuss the plastic-free alternatives to disposables.

New measures from July 1, 2023 and January 1, 2024

For the new measures, a distinction is made between consumption on the road and consumption on site. Not sure which situation applies to you? Here you will find a clear overview!

Consumptions on the go

Not much will change for pick-up and delivery services. Although there will be no ban on plastic packaging, offering it free of charge will no longer be allowed from July 2023. As with plastic bags, the provider will have to ask for a small amount (to be determined by yourself). Reusable alternatives or packaging brought by the consumer can also be used.

Consumptions on the spot

From January 2024, there will be a ban on the use of plastic food packaging and cups for on-site consumption, unless they are suitable for high-quality recycling. This prohibition applies, for example, to eating and drinking establishments, offices, sports canteens and cinemas. These occasions must make the choice to switch to reusable alternatives, packaging without plastic or high-quality recyclable packaging.

Plastic-free alternatives to disposables

Don't panic if you still use plastic (containing) disposable packaging! They are currently still allowed, except for the aforementioned straws and plates. However, it is wise to switch to more sustainable alternatives as soon as possible, since more measures will be taken in the future to reduce the use of plastic.

Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives on the market that are completely plastic-free. Do you still want to continue using disposable packaging without having to charge a small amount or have it collected for high-quality recycling? Replace your plastic (containing) packaging for alternatives that do not contain plastic.

At TakeAware we strive for a world without plastic and without plastic soup. That is why you will find a wide range of plastic-free disposables on our digital shelves. For example, replace your plastic snack trays with sugar cane or cardboard snack trays. Do you still use plastic menu boxes for takeaway? Throw them out the door and replace them with sugar cane meal boxes. In addition to these options, we have made many more disposables from plant-based materials. Order our plastic-free disposables today and make your company SUP-proof!