About this article
Since the introduction of the SUP Directive (Single-Use Plastics Directive) in the Netherlands in 2021, a lot has changed. The transition towards ‘reusables as the standard’ remains central to this regulation, even after recent announcements. Read on to discover what this means for your business in 2026 and 2027.
Go directly to the changes that apply to your business
- Supermarkets, retail, to-go outlets, open events, gas stations, airports and train stations
- Offices, companies, institutions and education
- Closed events, horeca with on-site consumption, theme parks, sports clubs and associations
Motions and letters to Parliament
After various motions and letters to the Parliament in previous years, State Secretary Aartsen submitted a new letter to the Parliament on 19 December 2025, titled “Changes to regulations for disposable plastic cups and containers and status of motions and commitments.”
In this letter, he elaborates on how the SUP Directive rules in the Netherlands will apply from 1 January 2027. In this article, we summarize the most important rules and changes for you.
To which packaging items does the SUP Directive apply?
The SUP Directive focuses on single-use cups and containers that contain plastic. You can learn more about the Single-Use Plastics Directive on EU-level here.
The directive has an important objective: reducing unnecessary waste and combating litter.
A simplified regulation
In practice, regulation does not always lead to the desired outcome and bottlenecks may occur. When it comes to the SUP Directive, these bottlenecks have been raised multiple times in the media and through motions in Parliament.
In his letter, State Secretary Aartsen explains that some rules will be simplified based on practical experience, while others will remain in place to ensure compliance with the EU Directive.
In short, this means the following:
- When consumption takes place on-site and reusable packaging is clearly feasible, reusable cups or containers are mandatory.
- When consumption takes place on-site, but reusable options are more difficult to implement, businesses may use an exception. In that case, single-use packaging must be collected and recycled.
- For on-the-go consumption, customers must be given the option to choose reusable packaging.
The rules as of 1 January 2027
For super markets, retail, to-go outlets, open events, gas stations, airports and train stations
Reusable for those who want it. Businesses must ensure that customers can choose reusable packaging disposable packaging (partly) made of plastic.
This can be done by accepting Bring Your Own (BYO) containers or by offering a reusable system.
This applies to packaging filled on-site, such as a hot cup of coffee, and not to pre-packed products, such as an iced coffee from the fridge.
What this means in 2026
- In 2026, this rule already applies. The main difference is that the 2027 rules per are clearer on which sectors they applies to.
The rule to allow for Bring Your Own corresponds with the PPWR (Article 11), which applies across the EU from 12 February 2027 for takeaway packaging.
NS Stations has already been encouraging Bring Your Own for several years. Customers who bring their own reusable coffee cup receive a discount. Read this interview to learn how they managed to motivate 10% of their customers to bring their own cup within just a few years.
For offices, companies, institutions and education
Reusable as standard. Single-use cups and containers with plastic are banned. No exceptions apply.
This rule doesn’t apply to healthcare settings (where care is provided to patients) and closed institutions (such as prisons).
However, the exception does not apply to public canteens or restaurants where visitors are allowed, nor to office spaces used only by employees.
What this means in 2026
- Did you indicate that you would like to make use of the current recycling exception with IL&T (the authority responsible for enforcing the SUP Directive in the Netherlands)? If so, you may continue using single-use packaging in 2026, provided that you collect and recycle it according to the established requirements.
- If you have not indicated that you would like to make use of the current exemption, you already need to comply with the rules above. Haven’t you made the switch to reusables yet? Our team can help you get started – just send us a message.
- Are you a university? In that case, IL&T will not enforce the rules for the time being, allowing universities additional time to prepare for the 2027 requirements.
Madskolen in Denmark has completely switched to reusable containers for their school kitchen. In this kitchen, lunch is prepared for schools in the surrounding area. Compared to disposable containers, this approach offers many benefits, including significantly less waste. Watch the video or read their story here.
For closed events like festivals and concerts, horeca with on-site consumption, theme parks, sports clubs and associations
Reusable as standard, unless recycling. Single-use cups and containers with plastic are banned, but there is an exception. Businesses may choose to use disposables if they comply with the following conditions:
- Used cups and containers must be collected. At least 75% in 2024, 80% in 2025, 85% in 2026 and 90% in 2027 must be collected.
- The collected single-use packaging must be fully recycled.
- You may only use this exception if you have registered this with the IL&T and maintain records demonstrating that the above conditions are met.
For open events, such as festivals that can be entered without a ticket, this rule is optional; organisers may choose whether or not to comply.
What this means in 2026
- Previously, the exception only applied when the collected packaging was “high-level” recycled, meaning it was recycled into a new food-grade packaging product. At the moment, this is generally only possible with PET.
- From 2026, the requirement changes to “full” recycling instead of “high-level” recycling, provided that all other conditions are met and the exception has been registered with IL&T.
- This creates opportunities for other plastics besides rPET, as well as combined materials (such as paper cups with a plastic coating).
Curious how we helped Zwollefonds keep the canals clean during large events such as King’s Day and Carnival? We supported them with reusable cups and off-site washing. Watch the video here.
Do businesses still need to charge a SUP surcharge in the Netherlands?
From 2027, the surcharge for take-away will no longer apply.
Although this rule technically still exists in 2026, IL&T has indicated that it will not enforce it. This means businesses are not required to apply the surcharge and do not need to include it on receipts.
Plastic-free cups
In addition to simplifying the rules, State Secretary Aartsen also highlighted the need for a reliable testing method to determine whether new products can be considered “plastic-free.”
Because businesses have indicated that they would prefer such a testing protocol at EU level, Aartsen has shared this request with the European Commission. This will form part of the evaluation of the SUP Directive, which is expected to be completed by July 2027.
Got more questions?
We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for single-use packaging, reusable packaging, or a complete reusable system, feel free to contact us via our contact page or directly at info@verive.eu.
For up-to-date information on Dutch SUP regulations, you can also visit believe.nl/sup, as well as the websites of Verpact and the Dutch government: minderwegwerpplastic.nl.
