Plastic-free in the Hospitality Industry: YouSea as a Sustainable Solution

From January 1, 2024, disposable plastic cups and meal packaging will no longer be allowed in offices and catering establishments, including hotels, cafes, restaurants, and even football club canteens. These measures are implemented according to the European Single Use Plastics Directive, with the aim of reducing the immense amount of plastic waste.

State Secretary for the Environment Heijnen emphasizes the urgency, given the daily use of 19 million plastic cups and food packaging in the Netherlands alone. The transition from disposable to reuse is central, with entrepreneurs being encouraged to embrace sustainable alternatives.

Key points of the new rules are:

1. Washable Mugs in the Office from 2024: On-site consumption requires reusable tableware, with washable coffee mugs in the office and plates in canteens.

2. Collection for Recycling: Companies can keep single-use plastic cups and meal containers, provided they collect 75%-90% of them for high-quality recycling, promoted by return systems.

3. Ban on Free To Go Packaging from July 2023: There is a ban on free plastic disposable cups and meal containers for consumption on the go. Entrepreneurs can decide for themselves how much they charge for this.

4. Encouraging Reuse: Businesses must offer reusable alternatives to meals and drinks prepared on site, while 100% paper and plastic-free single-use packaging remains permitted.

5. Producers Pay for Litter: From 2023, manufacturers will pay for cleaning up litter from plastic products. This money is distributed among government organizations that clean up litter.

In this transition to a sustainable future, YouSea plays a crucial role as a solution for plastic-free alternatives in the hospitality industry.