The familiar plastic sachets of ketchup, mayonnaise and other condiments found in bars and restaurants across Spain are on their way out thanks to a new EU directive.
A phased implementation of the regulations began on August 12, although customers will not see single-use portions disappear overnight.
The major change will arrive on January 1, 2030, when certain single-use plastic portion packs for food and drink consumed inside bars, restaurants and other hospitality businesses will be prohibited.
The restrictions will cover individual plastic packaging for products including sugar, sauces, condiments, dressings and coffee creamer.
However, it does not mean the end of individual portions altogether. Businesses will be able to replace plastic packaging with alternatives including paper sachets, reusable containers and shared dispensers.
The measures form part of a much broader EU drive to cut packaging waste and encourage recycling and reuse.
Importantly, hospitality businesses do not have to remove existing plastic sachets immediately, despite confusion surrounding the implementation of the new rules.
The changes will instead be introduced gradually.
From 2027, food and drink businesses will have to allow customers to bring their own containers for takeaway products without charging them extra.
In 2028, establishments will have to provide customers with a genuine reusable packaging option for takeaway food and drinks.
The restrictions on certain plastic single-serving packages for consumption inside hospitality establishments will then take effect from January 1, 2030.
There are also exceptions. Single portions will still be permitted in certain circumstances, including takeaway and home-delivery orders, as well as some healthcare and care settings where their use can be justified.
Consumers will also continue to be able to buy individual portions from supermarkets and shops, provided their packaging complies with the applicable recycling and sustainability requirements.
Andalucia’s hospitality industry says it is prepared to adapt.
Javier Frutos, president of the Andalusian Hospitality Federation, said businesses could move towards either single portions made from recyclable materials or shared containers.
‘The hospitality industry will adapt,’ he said, adding that the sector would support measures aimed at becoming more sustainable provided the changes were practical for businesses to implement.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
