EU Regulation 2025/40 to Ban Single-Use Plastic Packaging in Hospitality Sector
EU Regulation 2025/40, effective August 12, mandates that hotels and restaurants replace single-use plastic packaging for condiments and toiletries with sustainable, refillable alternatives to reduce environmental waste.
The recent approval of EU Regulation 2025/40 marks a major shift for the service industry. Set to take effect on August 12, the new rules place strict limits on single-use plastic packaging, forcing hotels and restaurants to rethink how they operate.
The regulation focuses on small, single-serving items. In catering, common products like sugar, salt, condiment packets, jam, and coffee creamers must be replaced with refillable dispensers or reusable containers. The hotel industry faces similar changes, as small, complimentary bottles of shampoo, gel, and lotion will be phased out in favor of more sustainable, bulk-dispensing options.
Brussels introduced these measures to reduce the environmental impact of low-density plastics, which are notoriously difficult to recycle. However, the regulation does include some flexibility: takeaway food services are exempt where food safety or the need for immediate consumption makes reusable options impractical for now.
For businesses—particularly in tourism-heavy areas like Tenerife—this transition is a significant challenge. Establishments must now invest in new logistics and update their service processes while maintaining strict hygiene standards. Although some restrictions will be introduced gradually, the industry is already looking for ways to adapt to these rules, which are a central part of the European Union’s sustainability strategy for the coming decade.