The European Union has adopted a comprehensive new regulation to overhaul packaging standards across all Member States, aiming to cut waste, boost recycling and discourage unnecessary single-use packaging. A particularly visible element of this regulatory shift is the restriction on single-use sachets — such as those containing ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard and other condiments — commonly found in bars, restaurants and hotels throughout Europe.
This reform is part of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), formally approved by the Council of the EU in late 2024 and published in the EU Official Journal. As a regulation, rather than a directive, it applies directly in all Member States without the need for national transposition.
Contents
Why the EU Is Acting Now
The main goal of the new regulation is to address the growing problem of packaging waste, which, according to EU data, exceeds 180 kilograms per person per year and continues to rise. A significant portion of this waste comes from packaging that is difficult or costly to recycle — including small, single-use plastic items that are often discarded immediately after opening.
In this context, single-use sachets have become a symbol of unnecessary and problematic packaging due to their low recyclability and high environmental footprint. Reducing these items is seen as a step toward a more circular economy in which materials are reused and recycled rather than thrown away.
Key Provisions of the New Regulation
The PPWR introduces a range of measures designed to reduce waste across the lifecycle of packaging. Among the most notable provisions are:
- Restrictions on certain single-use packaging: From 1 January 2030, the regulation will prohibit specific types of single-use plastic packaging, including individual sachets of condiments, sauces, sugar, milk creamer and similar products in hospitality venues such as restaurants, bars and hotels.
- Reuse and refill obligations: Economic operators will be required to offer consumers the option to use reusable packaging and refill systems, without surcharge, for food and beverages.
- Recyclability and recycled content targets: Packaging must be designed for recyclability, and targets for minimum recycled content will be phased in through 2030 and 2040.
- Chemical safety constraints: The regulation introduces limits on harmful substances — such as certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — in food contact packaging to protect both health and the environment.
These rules reflect a comprehensive update of EU packaging policy, replacing the older Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) with a more stringent and cohesive framework.
What Happens With Sachets Like Ketchup and Mayonnaise?
One of the most talked-about measures is the restriction on individual single-use sachets of condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise when these are used by consumers on the spot in bars, restaurants, cafés and hotels. Under the new regulation, these sachets will no longer be allowed to be placed on the EU market for this type of use after the ban takes full effect in 2030.
Until then, businesses will need to prepare to switch to alternatives such as refillable dispensers, shared bottles or reusable containers, which can reduce waste and the environmental impact associated with single portions.
It is important to note that this ban applies specifically to on-site consumption; single-use sachets for takeaway and delivery may still be permitted under transitional arrangements, recognising hygiene and logistical considerations.
Who Is Affected and How Changes Will Unfold
The regulation affects a broad range of economic actors, including packaging producers, brand owners, retailers, hotels, restaurants and food service providers, who must ensure compliance with the new standards.
By 12 August 2026, the core provisions of the regulation will start to apply across the EU. Many of the specific restrictions, including those on single-use sachets in hospitality settings, will be fully enforced from 1 January 2030. This phased approach is intended to give businesses and supply chains time to adapt to the new requirements.
Expected Impact and Wider Context
The ban on single-use sachets fits into a broader EU strategy to reduce unnecessary packaging and waste, support reuse systems, and transition toward a circular economy. By setting binding reuse targets, expanding recyclability standards and limiting harmful chemicals in materials, the regulation aims to cut overall waste while boosting material efficiency and environmental safety.
For consumers, this may translate into fewer individual sachets on tables, and more tabletop dispensers or refill options. While these changes could require adjustments in catering practices and supply chains, policymakers argue they will reduce plastic waste and make sustainable choices more mainstream.
The packaging regulation will likely be reviewed periodically to assess its effectiveness in reducing waste and promoting sustainable packaging innovation. The EU has also signaled potential future evaluations of additional single-use items and broader sustainability metrics to ensure continuous progress toward environmental goals.
