Goodbye single-use plastic: where does Europe stand in 2025?
Since 2021, the European Union has banned a range of single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, and some food packaging. Four years later, change is visible, but progress remains uneven across countries and sectors. Where do things really stand in 2025?
Visible progress in daily life
In most European supermarkets, plastic bags have almost entirely disappeared, replaced by paper, reusable, or compostable options. Major fast-food chains now offer wooden cutlery or reusable metal options, and some are testing deposit-return dishware. These small changes already represent millions of tonnes of plastic avoided.
Differences across countries and sectors
Some countries, like Germany or France, quickly embraced deposit-return systems for bottles and food containers. Elsewhere, habits evolve more slowly: in parts of Eastern Europe, plastic remains dominant due to lack of infrastructure. Even within a single country, gaps exist — big cities move faster than rural areas.
Alternatives under the spotlight
Replacing plastic doesn’t solve everything. Paper and cardboard require significant water and energy to produce. Compostable bioplastics don’t always break down in standard facilities. The most sustainable solution often remains reuse: bottles, reusable boxes, and deposit-return dishware.
Conclusion: The ban on single-use plastics is only one step in a long process. Progress is clear, but Europe is still in transition. Success will depend on citizens embracing reusable habits, and governments supporting truly sustainable alternatives.
About the author:
Alexandre Dubois is a European sustainability enthusiast who shares practical, tested tips for everyday life. From saving on household energy to reducing waste, he focuses on simple changes that deliver real impact. He writes from personal experience, testing solutions in his own home before recommending them. Contact: info@greendailyfix.com
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