Cutting the mustard of packaging

Since the EU published its proposal on packaging and packaging waste last November, we attended countless events in Brussels and met with 18 Members of the European Parliament and advisers as well as representatives from EU member states. HOTREC engaged in industry stakeholder’s coalitions, wrote two joint letters to EU decision-makers, published HOTREC position paper as well as media articles and op-eds.

Running from one corridor to another, we raised our concerns and called for the coexistence of single-use and reuse packaging. While we believe the ambition of the EU proposal is legitimate, flexibility and clarity are essential.

The hospitality industry and the context in which our businesses operate are diverse and consequently require derogations to envisaged measures targeting HORECA including reuse targets.

Exempting iconic cultural dishes from the unilateral ban on single-use packaging in HORECA is a prerequisite. Allowing miniature hotel cosmetics on demand is another.

While the EU is often accused of being slow, this file is expected to pass through the European chamber in the blink of an eye – final vote in the European Parliament’s plenary in September 2023. But expect twists. The packaging saga goes on.