EU bans single‑use milk and sugar packets to cut plastic waste

The European Union is introducing new provisions under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that will phase out single‑use, small‑portion milk and sugar packets in restaurants, cafés and hotels from mid‑2025. The rule also targets shrink‑wrap rings and plastic film used for six‑pack water and soft‑drink bottles, requiring manufacturers to adopt biodegradable polymers, paper or cardboard alternatives.

The measures aim to lower the average EU citizen’s packaging waste, which the European Commission estimates at over 180 kg per year. In Hungary alone, about 1.5 billion PET bottles and more than 300 000 tonnes of plastic packaging are sold annually, highlighting the scale of the challenge. Industry groups have raised concerns about hygiene, consumer inconvenience and potential food waste, while environmental advocates argue the ban is essential for reducing plastic pollution.