SUP product fee – What does this mean for your business?

The introduction of the SUP (Single-Use Plastics) Directive in Poland poses new challenges for many industries, including catering. The SUP product fee, which applies to single-use plastic packaging, aims to reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfills and increase the use of environmentally friendly materials.

SUP product fee – key information for the catering industry

The product fee is one of the obligations under the SUP Directive (often referred to as the Plastic Directive). The aim behind the changes was to promote greater environmental awareness. While the provisions of the document may indeed bring about positive changes for the condition of our planet, they certainly pose a major problem for catering business owners. 

Under the directive, catering establishments are required to:

• stop using certain plastic products;
• promote alternative products made from more environmentally friendly materials;
• introduce changes in the processing of certain plastic-based products;
• recycle plastic products appropriately;

In line with the above, the SUP Act requires all single-use plastic packaging to be subject to additional charges to discourage their use. What is more, marshal's offices in Poland issue interpretations and opinions indicating that even reusable plastic packaging does not meet the conditions for exemption from the SUP charge. This means that businesses must seek alternatives to avoid additional costs.

As you can see, difficult times are ahead for the catering industry. Fortunately, more and more companies are appearing on the market offering alternatives to plastic-based products. 

How can businesses prepare for the changes related to SUP fees?

To avoid SUP fees or minimise their impact on the health of catering businesses, the key is to look for alternative food packaging products.

Reaching for products based on pulp, polypropylene and sugar cane. Switching the logistics in catering establishments to a slightly more environmentally friendly model allows for additional benefits. These include, above all:

1. No SUP consumer fees – first and foremost, by choosing sugarcane packaging, you avoid fees associated with the use of single-use plastics.
2. Biodegradability – sugarcane packaging is fully biodegradable, which means that it decomposes easily in the natural environment.
3. Food Safety – this packaging does not affect the taste or quality of stored food, which is important for maintaining high catering standards.
4. Aesthetics and functionality – eco-friendly packaging not only looks good, but is also practical and durable.

Customer education

It is also worth working on customer education. Making them aware of the fees associated with the SUP Directive may also encourage them to make more informed decisions, e.g. they may decide to visit a restaurant instead of frequently ordering takeaway meals. 

There is also a noticeable trend among customers, with restaurant guests bringing their own food containers. Here, too, we see considerable scope for action for restaurant owners who want to minimise the impact of the SUP Directive on their business. 

Eco-friendly packaging to avoid the SUP levy

To minimise the negative effects of the SUP Directive, companies in the catering sector should look for eco-friendly alternatives. Examples include:

• Biodegradable sealable containers;
• Sushi packaging made from environmentally friendly materials;
• Eco-friendly cutlery, preferably wooden;

SUP product charge – What does it mean for your business?

The introduction of the SUP product charge is forcing businesses to look for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. 

PAKOWANKO offers a wide range of products made from sugar cane and paper, which are exempt from these fees. Thanks to them, you can not only reduce costs, but also contribute to protecting the environment.

We invite you to read the article on the FOR-ECOLOGY FOUNDATION WEBSITE and choose eco-friendly solutions for your business!