The Belgian Environment Minister Zakia Khattabi has proposed a ban on single-use packaging and containers for food sold at fast-food establishments. With the government planning on enforcing the ban as early as 1 January 2024, the proposal has triggered mixed reactions from industry giants such as Comeos, Burger King and McDonald's.
On Sunday, a report by Le Soir revealed that the Federal Government was preparing to ban single-use packaging for fast-food establishments in an effort to push these restaurants to opt for reusable containers 2024 onwards.
To that end, Zakia Khattabi has prepared a draft law on the matter, which still needs to be consulted by various industry representatives before being proposed to parliament. Her text is specifically aimed at single-use plastic packaging and containers for take-away meals and restaurant food. This includes pasta, noodles, and salads, as well as ice cream and beverages.
Mixed reactions
In response to the proposed ban, various representatives for the fast-food industry in Belgium agreed the need to transition towards more sustainable packaging, but asked the government to consult them on any planned changes beforehand.
For example, the trade and services federation Comeos have called for Khattabi's proposal to be adapted, with their sustainable development advisor Marie Van Breusegem stating that "a ban can only be considered if there is an environmentally, economically and technically viable alternative."
Furthermore, she indicated that the government's objective of enforcing the ban by 2024 is 'unthinkable' as it would represent "a complete change of business model." As a result, she has asked for this transition to be implemented in stages, an opinion shared by Isabelle Verdeyen from McDonald's Belgium.
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Verdeyen added that the 'consumer acceptance, environmental impact and effectiveness' of reusable packaging needed to be proved with better data. "Once this becomes clearer, we will be able to identify the role of reusable material in our packaging strategy," she added.
However, certain industry actors have welcomed the planned change. Burger Brands, the organisation in charge of Burger King and Quick, stated that they were constantly "striving to find the best sustainable and recyclable containers for our customers" and have planned investments in both reusable tableware and additional staff if the ban is approved.
