UK Government considers banning single-use sauce sachets

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 12:44 · Archive

The UK Government is exploring a ban on single-use plastic condiment sachets, following EU rules coming into force in January 2030.

Ketchup, mayonnaise and other sauce sachets could soon disappear from pubs, cafes and restaurants across the UK. The Government is considering a ban on single-use plastic condiment sachets following environmental rules introduced by the European Union.

The EU will ban single-use plastic packaging for condiments in the catering sector from January 2030 to reduce what it describes as 'unnecessary' waste. Northern Ireland will be subject to this ban under post-Brexit arrangements requiring alignment with EU regulations. However, there are currently no plans to introduce the ban in the rest of the UK.

Emma Hardy, a minister at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed the Government is exploring the idea. She said the EU ban will apply to single-serving sachets or containers of ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, oil and vinegar in Northern Ireland under the Windsor framework, but not in the rest of the UK. A consultation regarding potential UK alignment is being planned.

The EU's regulations are part of a wider push to reduce packaging waste and promote a circular, sustainable economy. The rules aim to make all packaging in the EU recyclable by 2030, increase the use of recycled plastics, and reduce reliance on raw materials. They also limit the use of harmful substances in packaging, including restrictions on PFAS chemicals in food contact materials.

UK Government considers banning single-use sauce sachets — Image: This Is Local London

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How it is being reported

Common product found in pubs, cafes and restaurants could soon be banned in the UKThe UK Government is considering a ban on single-use plastic ketchup and mayonnaise sachets, following new EU rules.This Is Local London · 5 Nov, 12:00
Common product found in pubs, cafes and restaurants could soon be banned in the UKThe UK Government is considering a ban on single-use plastic ketchup and mayonnaise sachets, following new EU rules.Croydon Guardian · 5 Nov, 12:00
Common product found in pubs, cafes and restaurants could soon be banned in the UKThe UK Government is considering a ban on single-use plastic ketchup and mayonnaise sachets, following new EU rules.Wandsworth Guardian · 5 Nov, 12:00
Common product found in pubs, cafes and restaurants could soon be banned in the UKThe UK Government is considering a ban on single-use plastic ketchup and mayonnaise sachets, following new EU rules.News Shopper · 5 Nov, 12:00

In this story: UK Government · European Union · Northern Ireland · Emma Hardy · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

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