New EU Regulation Targets Single-Use Plastics in Hospitality Industry

New EU Regulation 2025/40, which takes effect today, August 12, marks a major shift in how the European hospitality industry manages waste. The new rules place strict limits on single-use plastic packaging, aiming to fundamentally change consumption habits in hotels and restaurants.

The regulation impacts many common items used in table service, including single-serve packets of salt, sugar, sauces, jams, and coffee creamers. Establishments are now required to switch to refillable dispensers or reusable containers, provided they meet food safety and hygiene standards. These changes also apply to hotel rooms, where single-use bottles of shampoo and body wash will be gradually phased out.

However, the rules are not one-size-fits-all. The regulation includes specific exceptions for takeaway food services, where single-use containers may still be used if there is no viable alternative to ensure food safety. This flexibility is intended to balance the EU’s environmental goals with the practical realities of running a business.

For business owners—particularly in high-tourism areas like Tenerife—the challenge is now to adapt their operations. Moving to bulk supply systems will require changes to inventory management and costs, forcing businesses to find new ways to comply with the law while maintaining high service standards. By implementing these rules across all Member States, the EU is taking a firm step toward reducing plastic waste by transforming everyday consumption habits.