Belgian takeaways must accept customers' own containers from February 2027 under PPWR

Belgian takeaways and caterers must accept customers' own containers from February 2027 under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and must offer a reusable packaging option from 2028. Industry body Horeca Brussels says many operators do not yet know about the change and, with Bruxelles Environnement, is preparing information campaigns ahead of the first deadline. The Walloon Horeca federation warns the 2028 reuse obligation will add investment and working time for businesses already facing thin margins.

Why this mattersPPWR's reuse-in-foodservice mandate creates a near-term compliance obligation that will shift demand toward reusable and returnable container systems and away from single-use formats.

• From February 2027 Belgian takeaways and caterers must fill customers' own clean containers under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)
• From 2028 these businesses must also offer a reusable packaging option
• Horeca Brussels says many operators are not yet aware of the obligation and is preparing webinars and guidance with Bruxelles Environnement
• The Walloon Horeca federation flags added cost and working time from buying, stocking and cleaning reusable containers for the 2028 rule
• Fost Plus reports Belgium's household plastic packaging recycling rate rose to 74% in 2025 from 69% two years earlier
• Restrictions on individual toiletry packaging in hotels are planned to follow from 2030

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