EU Regulation Pressures Hotels to Reduce Plastic Waste and Costs

Just now September 18, 2026 1 min read 📰 Phys.org

📋 Key Takeaway

The new EU Packaging Regulation, effective from August 2026, mandates that the food service industry, including hotels, must stop using single-use plastic packaging by January 2030. This regulation is pressuring the hospitality sector to adopt sustainable practices. For Iran, this could impact its tourism and hospitality industry as it seeks to align with international standards.

The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) has been in effect since Aug. 12, 2026. Under this regulation, beginning in January 2030, the food service industry may no longer buy food or toiletries packaged in single-use plastic—for example, ketchup packets or individually wrapped bars of soap. This is increasing pressure on hotels, restaurants and catering businesses to act.