The new law that limits the use of plastic in disposable containers.

Over the last few years, we have seen how new measures were implemented in Spain and the European Union in terms of reducing the consumption of plastic in different business and commercial areas. This has forced companies to adapt to the new regulations in terms of manufacturing processes and labeling of their products, in addition to optimizing production processes to reduce the environmental impact of their activity and promote and implement the consumption of more environmentally friendly materials.

One of these new laws is Law 7/2022, of April 8, on waste and contaminated soil for a circular economy. Its main purpose is the prevention and reduction of the generation of certain plastic products and the impacts of their generation and management to protect the environment, especially the aquatic environment, and human health through the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy (Law).

Its article 55 refers to several measures to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic products, and encourages the use of other more sustainable packaging alternatives made with natural compostable materials such as bamboo, sugarcane bagasse, PLA, palm leaves, wood, paper, cardboard and vegetable starches. In addition, objectives are established to be achieved in reducing the consumption of single-use plastic products such as cups, lids and take-away food containers:

- Reduce its consumption by 50% by the year 2026.

- Reduce its consumption by 70% by the year 2030.

- As of January 1 of this year, 2023, each of these plastic products that are delivered to the final consumer must be charged, indicating it on the sales ticket.

On the other hand, restrictive measures are also implemented for the introduction of other plastic products such as swabs, cutlery, plates, straws and stirrers. Also included in this restriction are those glasses, lids and containers made of expanded polystyrene (white cork).

How does this influence your business?

Well, the first thing you should keep in mind is that the more sustainable alternatives you use in the exercise of your activity, the more you will be contributing to caring for the environment, and, therefore, for all of us. You will think that the implementation of compostable supplies and packaging is very expensive, but the reality is that it has several advantages at a commercial level:

- It will benefit the image of your business: Consumers are increasingly aware of caring for the planet, so they will prefer to buy from a business that demonstrates its environmental commitment.

- Products made with plastics are taxed, as of January 1 of this year, with a new tax (€0.45 per Kg.), a cost that will be reflected in the price of the container.

- If you give plastic containers to your customers, remember that you must charge them on the ticket, something that they will not like very much, so they will prefer to buy in a place where the container is included in the price they pay for the takeaway food and drink .

- There are containers and supplies of compostable materials with very competitive prices, such as sugar cane bagasse and wood.

Disposable containers are an essential input in most hospitality businesses, so it is important to take a step forward and take advantage of the excellent ecological options that we have within our reach. What do you say, do you join?