Amsterdam studies legal basis for single-use packaging ban
Amsterdam has commissioned a study into its legal options for banning single-use packaging, including coffee cups and fast-food containers, which the city says make up 30% of its litter. According to CircuLaw, a provider of legal information on circular transitions, such a ban could be imposed but only after less restrictive measures have failed, and works best alongside reliable reusable packaging and a return system. The city will consult business owners and residents and study Copenhagen and Lisbon, which has already banned single-use packaging.
Why this mattersA precedent from a major European capital for a hard single-use packaging ban would pressure foodservice packaging suppliers to accelerate reusable-format conversion ahead of binding EU rules.
- Amsterdam says single-use packaging, including coffee cups and fast-food containers, makes up 30% of city litter
- The city has commissioned a study into what it can legally do to tackle single-use packaging
- CircuLaw says a ban is possible only after less restrictive measures have proven not to work
- Lisbon has already implemented a single-use packaging ban; Amsterdam is also looking at Copenhagen
- The city plans to work with business owners and residents
- Lian Heinhuis, the Amsterdam executive responsible for waste and sanitation, announced the study