Europe’s hospitality sector prepares for new single-use packaging rules

Upcoming EU regulations reshape amenity standards for hotels, restaurants, and cafés

The European Union will ban hotels, restaurants, and cafés from offering a range of single-use packaged products starting mid-2026. The rules are part of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which targets frequently discarded individual containers such as jam portions, butter packets, milk cups, and small shampoo bottles.

Businesses will be required to shift toward shared containers and refillable dispensers, with some industry concerns centered on operational complexity and guest handling. Supporters emphasize long-term waste reduction, cost savings, and alignment with broader global sustainability movements.

Key takeaways

• Single-use product ban: EU hospitality businesses must eliminate individually packaged amenities such as condiments and guest toiletries starting in 2026.
• Environmental objective: The regulation seeks to reduce waste from plastics that take centuries to decompose and contribute to soil and water pollution.
• Operational transition: Hotels and restaurants need to invest in shared containers and refillable solutions, which may require new workflows and guest communication.
• Cost implications: While initial investments may be higher, refillable systems can lead to reduced purchasing, waste-handling costs, and long-term savings.
• Global alignment: Similar measures in the U.S., such as New York’s hotel toiletry ban and California’s plastic bag restrictions, demonstrate a broader move toward sustainable hospitality standards.
• Industry concerns: Some representatives argue the change could complicate operations and may not deliver the intended waste reduction unless well implemented.
• Sustainability opportunity: Forward-thinking hospitality businesses can use the regulation as a catalyst for innovation, sustainability leadership, and enhanced guest experiences.

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