EU packaging rules need to be realistic: A thriving hospitality sector depends on it

Let’s unwrap the basics first: we strongly align with the EU Green Deal’s objective to prevent waste and uphold circularity within our operations. Many are already engaged in transitioning to more sustainable practices. The European Commission’s intent to reduce and prevent packaging waste in its upcoming directive review goes in the right direction.

The EU’s ambition to switch so abruptly to reuse systems for food and beverage packaging in HoReCa is however concerning. As a service industry, our sector always thinks of the consumer first. To succeed, circular innovations including reuse should be pragmatic and preserve consumer choice & convenience. It should consider the‘think small first’ principle and adequately target the right set of businesses – not micro and small.

Shifting to reuse would require a systemic change in our industry’s operations. Establishments would have to source reusable packaging suppliers and invest to set up reuse cleaning and storage facilities within their premises. Reuse targets for our sector should be science-based and feasible, considering the heterogeneous nature of our industry and local specificities.

If a ban on single-use products in HoReCa is envisaged, transition periods should be set to allow businesses to adapt.

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08 Sep
08/09/2023    
09:00 - 13:00
List of Participants Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Tourism Minister, will join us during the morning for an exchange (timing will be confirmed later) Draft Agenda [...]
Together for EU Tourism (T4T) stakeholder meeting
11/09/2023    
09:00 - 13:00
On 11 September 2023, the European Commission (DG GROW) will organise the first stakeholder event to support the co-implementation of the Transition Pathway for Tourism. This will be a hybrid event, taking place in Brussels and online.
Social Affairs Working Group meeting
12/09/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
On 12 September 2023, HOTREC will organise another meeting of its Social Affairs Working Group.
Members session on HOTREC European elections manifesto
14/09/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
On 14 September 2023, HOTREC will organise a members-only session to discuss the upcoming European Elections (June 2024). 
HOTREC Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee meeting
18/09/2023    
09:30 - 13:00
On the morning of 18 September 2023, HOTREC will organise another meeting of the Sectoral Social Dialogue (SSD) Committee. 
HOTREC Short-Term Rentals (STRs) Working Group meeting
21/09/2023    
10:00 - 11:30
On 21 September 2023, HOTREC will organise another meeting of its Short-Term Rentals Working Group.
Pact for Skills - Coordination meeting
21/09/2023    
15:00 - 16:30
On 21 September 2023 took place the 13th Coordination Meeting on the Pact for Skills - an initiative bringing together different skills national partnerships. The [...]
Social Dialogue reform - meeting with European Commission
27/09/2023    
09:30 - 12:00
Main outcome of the meeting available
Meeting MEP Engerer office - rapporteur Green Claims (ENVI)
28/09/2023    
10:00 - 11:00
Participants: - Sera Cutajar (assistant MEP Engerer (Malta/S&D - rapporteur ENVI committee / Green Claims file)) - S&D political advisor - Marta Machado Main outcome: [...]
Events on 08/09/2023
Events on 11/09/2023
Events on 12/09/2023
Events on 18/09/2023