That's a wrap! Ban on way for single-use plastics
Single-use shampoo bottles, single-serving ketchup packets and plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables will all be banned in Ireland in 2030. Repak, which advises businesses on meeting their legal obligation to recycle, has told its members to start preparing for the ban.
The new EU law, which took effect in 2024, will ban retailers from using netting or other forms of plastic packaging on unprocessed fruit or vegetables weighing less than 1.5kg. This will include the wrap, sometimes used for cucumbers. Hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets are being urged to prepare for a ban on many types of single-use packaging. Pic: Getty Images
The legislation states that unless certain plastic packaging for fruit and vegetables can be 'clearly justified' as preventing food loss or maintaining hygiene standards, it will be banned. However, it is believed there will be some exemptions for foods that are fragile, such as raspberries.
Although the law does not take effect until January 1, 2030, supermarkets and retailers are being encouraged to modify their packaging practices in advance.
Repak told TheJournal.ie that some of its members had already started to expand the amount of loose fruit and vegetables they sell as part of a 'plastic pledge' initiative. The new EU law, which took effect in 2024, will ban retailers from using netting or other forms of plastic packaging on unprocessed fruit or vegetables weighing less than 1.5kg. Pic: Getty Images
Wraps, nets and bags are still commonplace in the fruit and vegetable aisles of major retailers, partly because of the lack of options for consumers to buy loose fruit or vegetables. This instead sees consumers buying large packets of goods that often use plastic packaging.
The ban also includes single-use ketchup sachets in restaurants. Repak has said refill stations may become commonplace after the ban comes into effect. The law states that when selling food or drinks to be consumed on the same premises, single-use plastic trays or cups can not be used.
It will see single-use shampoo bottles banned from hotel rooms. In its last report on single-use plastics, the Environmental Protection Agency said 3,032 tonnes of food containers made wholly of plastic were placed on the Irish market in 2022. It will see single-use shampoo bottles banned from hotel rooms. Pic: Getty Images
It further found that 947 tonnes of fully plastic cups were sold to the Irish public in that same year. Ireland is one of the worst offenders in the EU for its level of waste per capita and is not on track to meet its 2025 EU recycling target.
Repak said: 'Overall, the focus should be on moving to reusable systems where possible, rather than replacing single-use plastic with other single-use materials.'
A number of retailers have detailed how they plan to change current practices in order to fall in line with the upcoming EU legislation. Aldi has said it is undertaking a 'comprehensive review' of its' packaging materials.
Tesco said it is working towards full compliance with the new EU legislation, adding it has already put in place a voluntary strategy including removing plastic when possible. Lidl has reduced the amount used in its own-brand packaging by 20% since 2022
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