Every month, The Groundbreakers puts an inspiring initiative, product or company in the spotlight. By sharing knowledge and inspiration, we want to stimulate sustainable developments and hope to contribute to the greening of business. This time we would like to install the new one single use plastic (SUP) law out. The SUP legislation was created with the main aim of reducing plastic waste in the environment. And that is desperately needed.


Single-use plastic is harmful to the environment

Every day in the Netherlands, approximately 19 million plastic cups and food packaging are thrown away after single use. This causes an unnecessary amount of waste, some of which ends up in the environment. This touches our green hearts, because plastic does not decay and therefore causes major environmental problems. To tackle this problem, the government has introduced SUP legislation to reduce the use of single-use plastics.


Paying for disposable plastic cups and containers

From July 1, 2023, consumers will have to pay a small fee for disposable plastic cups and packaging on top of the price of the cup of coffee or meal. This means that entrepreneurs can no longer hand out free single-use plastics, while at the same time consumers are encouraged to consider reusable alternatives. The additional costs vary per product and per entrepreneur, but must always be stated separately on the receipt. This rule also applies to delivered meals and drinks or food at festivals, where a deposit system and other sustainable alternatives are increasingly being used. The new regulations are an important step towards circularity, which is necessary to protect nature.


Bring your own

Our advice is to bring your own cup for your cappuccinos to go and the other products that you eat or drink on the go. Much more sustainable and also good for your wallet. Are you still looking for a cool, reusable coffee cup that is also made sustainably? Look Read welke optie het best bij jou past.