This is Brussels’ next questionable plan: in future, burgers in fast food restaurants must be eaten straight from reusable plates rather than packaged, and soft drinks must also be served in washable and reusable cups. In coffee houses, the usual small sugar bags should be replaced with the classic sugar shaker. The same applies to packets containing salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard or sweetener. In addition, hotels should dispose of small packaging of cosmetics and hygiene items such as soap or shampoo.
“There are really more serious issues at hand at the moment. The new regulation provides for the elimination of small packaging for hygiene products and cosmetics in hotels. “Furthermore, guests in fast food restaurants must eat food off the plate,” criticizes CDU politician Peter Liese.
Resistance is building: the paper industry, packaging manufacturers and fast food chains are against the plans. They argue that existing packaging is already recyclable and more environmentally friendly than multiple packaging that increases water consumption. The European Packaging Industry Association (EPPA) has warned of a flood of rigid plastic products. These will eventually end up in rivers, oceans and landfills.
