If you didn’t finish your meal at a restaurant, soon you will be able to take it home in your own container. From February 12, 2027, food service establishments in the European Union, including Slovakia, will be required to accept reusable containers from customers. This is part of the new EU regulation Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which aims to reduce waste and encourage reuse of packaging.
New rules for the HoReCa sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes)
The regulation, effective from August 12, 2026, sets sustainability and packaging labeling requirements at all stages of its lifecycle. These rules apply to manufacturers, suppliers, as well as hotels, restaurants, cafes, and catering companies (the HoReCa sector).
Key dates and requirements:
From February 12, 2027: Restaurants, cafes, and other places offering takeout food and drinks must allow customers to use their own reusable containers. This means you will be able to take unfinished food home in your own lunch box.
From February 12, 2028: The same establishments will be required to offer customers reusable packaging as part of their own reuse system. They will need to buy new containers and organize logistics for collecting, washing, and returning them to circulation.
From 2030: Other requirements for recycling and reuse of packaging will come into effect. PPWR also restricts some types of single-use packaging — for example, it bans single-use plastic for fresh products weighing up to 1.5 kg and individual portions of sauces or seasonings.
What does this mean for businesses and consumers?
For you as a consumer, this is an opportunity to make your daily life more eco-friendly. You will create less waste and may even save money if establishments offer discounts for using your own containers.
For businesses, the new rules mean a period of adaptation. Companies using branded packaging should be especially careful. In some cases, such a company may be considered the packaging manufacturer, even if the packaging is made by a third-party supplier. It is necessary to clearly define who is responsible for ensuring packaging compliance with PPWR requirements, technical documentation, and the declaration of conformity.
Also, from August 12, 2026, it is forbidden to place on the EU market food packaging containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) above established limits. These “forever chemicals” were previously used to make wrappers and containers grease- and water-resistant but are harmful to the environment.
The future of packaging in the EU
According to the PPWR regulation, packaging waste volume must be significantly reduced: by 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. By 2030, all packaging on the EU market must be 100% recyclable.
These changes are part of the European Union’s global strategy to transition to a circular economy and more sustainable consumption. They will affect the entire packaging lifecycle — from design to where it ends up after use.
Source: nitrak.sk
