France Bans Fast-Food Brands From Using Disposable Packaging, Tableware

Come January 1, 2023, fast-food restaurants in France will no longer serve dine-in customers with disposable plates, cups, and utensils, as part of the country’s latest measure to combat waste and encourage recycling. 

According to AFP, quick service chains in the nation have been preparing for months in anticipation of the new rule, which is poised to drastically change many business models hard-wired with the use of convenient, single-use packaging and utensils. 

There are an estimated 30,000 fast-food outlets in France, which serve over six billion meals annually, and generate 180,000 tons of waste in the process. As such, the ban could very well “make a concrete difference for people,” as per Moira Tourneur of Zero Waste France. 

However, not all organizations are in favor of the legislation. The European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) has voiced its displeasure at the move, arguing that most single-use containers are made of renewable materials and boast a recycling rate of 82% across the European Union.

Additionally, the group says that under the rule, the required washing of multi-use utensils and packaging could consume more energy and water, going against the primary purpose of benefitting the environment. 

One issue restaurants may face going forward is the lack of awareness among consumers regarding reusable tableware. Some outlets have noted that customers often take the multi-use cups to go, or unwittingly throw the reusable tableware in the trash instead of returning them. 

A Subway spokesperson tells the publication that, following months of testing, the brand feels it needs to lead with a “public awareness effort” to inform consumers to reuse the new tableware, such as by putting up posters within its premises. 

McDonald’s Manager Maria Varela, who oversees a store in the Paris suburb of Levallois-Perret, says the branch has needed to hire additional staff to prompt customers to separate the reusable plates, forks, and knives from the trash. 

Another worry for operators could be the additional costs of purchasing multi-use utensils and packaging, which are often more costly than paper and cardboard disposables. While no chain has increased its prices just yet, that definitely remains a possibility in customers’ minds. 

Other countries in the region have made similar switches from single-use utensils to reusable tableware in recent months, with nearby Germany soon to replace disposable cups with porcelain ones on board the Deutsche Bahn.

[via AFP and The National News, cover image via Alona Siniehina | Dreamstime.com]