Single-use plastics are disposable plastic products that are used once and then thrown away. Examples include straws, plastic cups, cutlery, stirrers and takeaway food containers. For many years, they were standard in the hospitality industry: convenient, inexpensive and widely available. However, since the introduction of the European SUP Directive, the use of many of these plastic products has been significantly restricted.
In this blog, we explain exactly what single-use plastics are, why they have been banned and which alternatives you can still use.
What does the term single-use plastics mean?
We have already mentioned them: the straws, containers and cups that are thrown away after a single use. But what exactly falls under the category of single-use plastics? It includes all plastic products that are not designed to be used again.
And yes, this also includes bioplastics such as PLA. They may look environmentally friendly, but when they are simply thrown away after use, they are still disposable plastics.
Put simply, when a product contains plastic and is only used once, it is considered single-use. Whether it is a plastic chip tray or a PLA coffee cup, the deciding factor is not the type of plastic, but how the product is used.
Which products are considered single-use plastics?
Single-use plastics can be found in many places within the hospitality and catering industries. These products are designed for convenience and speed but are thrown away after just one use. The main categories are listed below:
- Cups: Plastic drinking cups are widely used for coffee, soft drinks and beer. They are often found at takeaway businesses, festivals and sports canteens. Plastic lids and stirrers are also included in this category.
- Cutlery and straws: Plastic forks, knives, spoons and straws were standard with takeaway meals and at food trucks for many years. They are convenient when eating on the go, but immediately become waste after use.
- Containers and meal packaging: Examples include chip trays, salad bowls and containers for noodles, pasta or rice. These are frequently used for takeaway and food delivery.
- Bags and wrappers: Plastic packaging used for sauces, biscuits or snacks also falls under this category. This includes sandwich wrappers and plastic film around desserts.
For many hospitality and catering businesses, these are everyday products. However, they are now subject to stricter regulations. Fortunately, there are more sustainable alternatives available. We will discuss these later in the article.
Why have single-use plastics been banned?
The European SUP Directive was introduced to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution. Disposable plastic creates enormous amounts of litter, particularly in and around waterways. Because plastic hardly breaks down, it remains in the environment for many years. Eventually, it breaks into microplastics, which end up in nature, water and even our food chain.
To reduce this damage, we need to move away from single-use plastics. The SUP Directive therefore bans many types of disposable plastic and requires businesses to switch to reusable or plastic-free alternatives.
Would you like to know exactly what is and is not permitted? Read everything about the SUP regulations.
When are single-use plastics still permitted?
Although many disposable plastic products have been banned, there are still a few situations in which they are permitted under strict conditions. This is what you need to know as a business owner.
For takeaway and delivery
Do you still use plastic packaging for takeaway meals or deliveries? This is permitted, but only when you arrange the following two things:
- You charge the customer a clearly visible fee for the plastic packaging.
- You offer a reusable alternative, such as a returnable deposit container.
For consumption on the premises
Do you serve food or drinks that are consumed directly on the premises, such as in a lunchroom or at an event? Disposable plastic has been completely prohibited in these situations since January 2024. This also applies to bioplastics. You must therefore always choose reusable or completely plastic-free solutions.
In other words, single-use plastic is only permitted under certain conditions for takeaway and delivery. For everything consumed on the premises, you must switch to more sustainable alternatives. This may require some changes, but it is better for both the environment and your company’s image.
What are the alternatives to single-use plastics?
Fortunately, there are plenty of more sustainable alternatives that are permitted and practical to use. At TakeAware, you will find packaging and products suitable for everyday use in the hospitality industry, for takeaway orders and at events. These are some of the most commonly chosen materials:
- Sugarcane: Made from residual material left over from sugar production. It is sturdy, biodegradable and suitable for hot food. It is ideal for products such as sugarcane snack trays.
- Cardboard: Lightweight, affordable and suitable for a wide range of applications. Cardboard packaging works well for both hot and cold food. Examples include cardboard cups in various sizes.
- Palm leaf and wood: Natural materials that can be used as alternatives to plastic. Palm leaf is sturdy, compostable and has a distinctive appearance thanks to its natural grain. Wooden cutlery is a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic cutlery. View our napkins and wooden cutlery.
This makes it easy to choose a solution that suits the way you work and is better for the environment.
Frequently asked questions about single-use plastics
Are bioplastics such as PLA also considered single-use plastics?
Yes. PLA and other bioplastics are also covered by the SUP regulations. It does not matter whether the plastic is made from fossil fuels or plant-based materials. When it is intended for single use, it is considered single-use plastic.
Can I still use plastic disposables at festivals?
In principle, no. The use of disposable plastic is also prohibited at festivals. Exceptions may only be possible when an approved collection and recycling system is in place at the venue.
Are sustainable disposables always permitted?
Yes, provided they do not contain plastic. Materials such as sugarcane, cardboard and wood are permitted and offer a good alternative to disposable plastic products.
How can I tell whether a product is covered by the SUP regulations?
Check whether the product contains plastic. Bioplastics also count. Are you unsure? Check the product information on the TakeAware website. It always clearly states whether an item is covered by the SUP regulations.
Author: Henri Elferink
