The European Union is preparing a gradual phase-out of single-use plastic in hotels and restaurants. The ban will include mini bottles of shampoo and gel, as well as individual packaging familiar to travelers.
When will the changes come into effect:
- from August 12, 2026 — start of gradual implementation
- by 2030 — complete phase-out of single-use formats in the hospitality sector
What will change in hotels and restaurants:
- instead of mini bottles — wall-mounted dispensers with multiple fillings
- in restaurants — phase-out of portioned packages of sauces and seasonings
- emphasis on reuse and recycling
Manufacturers will also be required to more actively reduce plastic volume.
The initiative is part of a broader EU policy to reduce waste and transition to more responsible consumption. The tourism sector is one of the key ones where thousands of tons of single-use plastic are generated every day.