EU Parliament backs clampdown on single-use plastic packaging

The European Parliament approved a proposed EU law aimed at cutting packaging waste by restricting certain single-use plastics. If EU member countries give final approval, the rules would take effect from 2030 and ban items such as mini shampoo/cosmetics bottles in hotels, thin grocery bags, single-use packaging for fruits and vegetables, and condiment packets in fast-food restaurants.

The proposal also tightens recycling and reuse measures: by 2029, countries must collect at least 90% of single-use plastic bottles and cans through deposit-return systems, and by 2030 drinks distributors must sell 10% of products in reusable packaging (with wine exempt). Takeaway outlets would have to let customers bring their own reusable cups and containers.

EU packaging waste rose about 25% from 2009 to 2021 to 84 million tonnes, and is projected to keep increasing without new action. The negotiations drew heavy industry lobbying and calls for exemptions from some countries, and several targets—especially affecting wine and some paper/cardboard packaging—were removed, prompting criticism that paper-based packaging has major loopholes.