Amsterdam studies legal case for banning single-use packaging

The city of Amsterdam has commissioned legal platform CircuLaw to assess whether a ban on single-use packaging is legally possible, as part of efforts to cut litter; alderwoman Lian Heinhuis called a ban a realistic option. The municipality is studying initiatives in Lisbon, Copenhagen and Tubingen before deciding on next steps, and says any ban would be combined with measures such as reusable systems.

Why this mattersA city-level ban would add to the patchwork of reuse mandates facing single-use packaging producers and foodservice brands across Europe.

• Amsterdam commissioned legal platform CircuLaw to assess whether a ban on single-use packaging is legally possible
• Alderwoman Lian Heinhuis called a ban on disposable packaging a realistic option
• The city says a ban would be combined with other measures such as reusable systems
• Zwerfinator founder Dirk Groot estimates single-use packaging makes up about 90% of litter in the Netherlands
• The municipality is examining initiatives in Lisbon, Copenhagen and Tubingen to inform its next steps

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