Reusable Packaging Washing Crisis

Europe's 2028 Reusable Packaging Mandate Creates a New Washing Crisis for Businesses

EU food service establishments must provide reusable packaging within a formal reuse system from February 12, 2028. This means fines and market restrictions for non-compliance. The EU generated 79.7 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2023, with only 42.1% recycled. The UK consumes 7 million cups daily, producing 30,000 tonnes of waste annually. However, according to UNEP data, reusable cups reduce emissions by up to 69% versus single-use. The European Union (EU) has mandated a waste reduction of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2022. BMI Korea, a 30-year manufacturer of high-pressure washing equipment, claims to have solved this problem by automating the process at five times faster than manual washing. The HPW-5000 washes up to 5,000 reusable cups per hour at 50 BAR, five times quicker than manual cleaning.