About this article
Are you based in the Netherlands? In mid-December 2024, the government announced key updates regarding the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), reinforcing the focus on ‘reusable as standard.’ Here’s a summary of the changes you need to know.
After various political motions and delays, the Dutch government finalised its approach to the SUP Directive in December 2024. State Secretary Chris Jansen provided clarity in a letter (Dutch) to the House about what the reduction measures for single use plastic packaging will look like in the Netherlands.
These updates may affect the packaging used in your foodservice business. In this article, we highlight the key points and explain what they mean for you as an entrepreneur in the foodservice sector.
Need a refresher on the Single-Use Plastic Directive? Have a read through this article first.
What does the SUP Direction in the Netherlands look like today?
In the autumn of 2023, the House of Representatives adopted three motions concerning single-use plastics. At that time, the State Secretary indicated in a letter to Parliament (14 December 2023) that her successor would determine the implementation of these motions. Since then, the following has applied:
- Motion ‘Abolish surcharge’: A mandatory surcharge for single-use plastics was introduced for takeaway consumption. The surcharge amount was left to the discretion of the reseller. However, it was decided in 2023 that this rule would remain but not be enforced. The requirement to offer a reusable alternative or allow customers to bring their own would still be enforced.
- Motion ‘Limited exception disposable plastic’: For on-site consumption, single-use plastic packaging was banned. However, the rule would not be enforced for products containing a maximum of 5% plastic, with certain conditions.
Simply put, some rules introduced by the House of Representatives are temporarily not enforced, although they technically remain in place.
Based on feedback from the House of Representatives and the findings of the recent evaluation report, the government has decided to make the reduction measures more effective and clearer. Read on to find out exactly what this means for you and other stakeholders.
What will change in the Netherlands as of 1 January 2026?
On 13 December 2024, State Secretary Jansen updated the House of Representatives regarding the SUP Directive evaluation. Based on the evaluation report, he concluded that the current reduction measures are on track to meet the Dutch target: a 40% reduction in disposable cups and containers in 2026, compared to 2022.
Here’s what this means:
- Motion ‘Abolish surcharge’ partially implemented: The mandatory offering of reusable alternatives or allowing customers to bring their own remains in place. From 1 January 2026, a mandatory surcharge of €0.25 per cup or meal will apply if filled on-site (for example, if you buy a takeaway coffee). This surcharge will not apply to supermarkets or home delivery, unlike previous regulations.
- Motion ‘Limited exception disposable plastic’: Disposable products containing up to 5% plastic, previously exempt from enforcement, will again be banned from 1 January 2026. Closed events will be exempt, and the existing exceptions for healthcare and closed institutions remain.
Up-to-date information in Dutch can be found on believe.nl/sup.
What can we conclude from the government’s decisions? It’s clear that the commitment towards making ‘reusable the standard’ is not only continuing but also gaining momentum.
Why does the SUP Directive vary across EU countries?
The SUP Directive is an EU regulation that sets basic rules and objectives that all member states must follow. However, each country has some flexibility in how it achieves these objectives. As a result, the Dutch government, like others, can introduce additional measures or set more ambitious targets than those specified by the EU.
Future-proof your packaging with Verive
Wondering if your food packaging meets future legislative requirements? We’re here to help. Reach out to one of our partners in your region or email us at info@verive.eu.
Jet Kolkman
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