EU Bans Single-Use Condiment Sachets from August 12

A significant shift away from single-use packaging is coming to the European Union, with new rules set to take effect on August 12, 2026. The legislation targets small, disposable sachets commonly found in restaurants, hotels, and other food service outlets, effectively banning items like ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, and coffee packets.

The primary goal of these regulations, as reported by Rynek Zdrowia, is to curb the growing problem of waste and promote the use of more sustainable, recyclable packaging. Many of the current sachets are made from composite materials, such as paper coated with plastic or foil, making them challenging to recycle and contributing to plastic pollution.

The European Commission has identified the packaging sector as a major contributor to plastic consumption within the EU. This initial ban on condiment sachets is just the first step in a series of phased regulations designed to transition the food service industry towards more environmentally friendly practices.

Beyond August 12, further changes are planned. From 2027, businesses offering takeaway food will be required to allow customers to bring their own containers. By 2028, food service companies must offer reusable packaging options, potentially including deposit-return schemes. The most extensive restrictions are slated for 2030, when additional small packaging items used in hospitality, as well as some hotel amenities like cosmetics and toiletries, will be banned. By the same year, all packaging placed on the EU market must meet stringent recycling requirements.