Straw ban - an overview of the EU single-use plastic ban

Mehrweg Strohhalm plastikfrei alternativen EU gesetz 2021 einwegplastikverbot nachhaltig

In May 2018, the EU Commission passed a new measure to curb single-use plastic products. Since 03 July 2021 this ban now applies to everyone in Germany. Companies must rethink and find new ways to develop more sustainable hospitality. In the long term, this the new law can also be seen as an opportunity to reposition yourself and benefit from the changes.

HALM glass straws for hospitality

In general, it is worth switching to a reusable alternative — not only for the environment’s sake, but also for cost reasons — because every production process consumes resources, even if they are natural or even recycled. In the classic hospitality the HALM is also a real eye-catcher, not only in bars, restaurants and cafés, but also in hotels, for catering events or weddings, they are perfectly suited.

The purchase costs of a reusable straw are higher, but the service life is significantly longer, which can save on recurring procurement costs. The HALM are also , hygienic, HACCP-compliant and easy to clean in the dishwasher. Thanks to their high stability and durability, they also offer long-term added value.

The special glass of HALM is absolutely taste-neutral and free from any harmful substances. Thanks to years of experience and double quality control in production, the most stable and safest option for a sustainable drinking experience.

Save money with HALM

Thanks to its long service life and reusability, HALM saves a considerable amount in replacement costs

Material	Cost / piece ⓘ	Purchase cost ⓘ	Restocking cost / month ⓘ	Restocking cost / year ⓘ	Total cost / year ⓘ
Single-use	0.69 €	138 €	-	82.80 €	220.80 €
Wood	0.14 €	700 €	700 €	8,400 €	8,400 €
Grass	0.10 €	500 €	500 €	6,000 €	6,000 €
Grain	0.05 €	250 €	250 €	3,000 €	3,000 €
Bagasse (sugar)	0.05 €	250 €	250 €	3,000 €	3,000 €
Paper	0.03 €	150 €	150 €	1,800 €	1,800 €
Noodle	0.02 €	100 €	100 €	1,200 €	1,200 €
Bamboo	0.01 €	50 €	50 €	600 €	600 €
Plastic ⓘ	0.01 €	50 €	50 €	600 €	600 €
Reusable	0.69 €	138 €	-	82.80 €	220.80 €
Silicone	0.49 €	294 €	-	58.80 €	352.80 €
Metal	0.76 €	152 €	-	91.20 €	243.70 €
HALM glass straws	0.69 €	138 €	-	82.80 €	220.80 €

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More info on cost savings with HALM

The HALM glass straw benefits at a glance

Plastic-free, hygienic, HAACP-compliant, and good-looking. Why HALM glass straws belong in hospitalityBuy HALM glass straw

Single-Use Plastic Ban 2021 - An Overview of the Law

More than 80% of waste in the sea is plastic waste. Europe alone generates around 25 million tons of plastic waste per year. The European Union now wants to reduce this plastic in the sea in order to combat climate change. To achieve this, promoting reusable, recycled reusable alternatives and banning certain single-use and microplastic items are important.

Ban on the sale of single-use plastic products since 3 July 2021
Manufacturers are required to use recycled material or produce recyclable products
Manufacturers are involved in the costs of disposing of old plastics

What is no longer allowed under the 2021 single-use plastic ban?

Plastic straws
Plastic tableware (plates, bowls)
Plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons and chopsticks)
In general, all single-use plastic products for which environmentally friendly alternatives already exist
Stir sticks
Packaging for hot food and drinks made of Styrofoam (polystyrene)
Plastic balloon sticks
Plastic cotton swabs
Bioplastic alternatives (bio-based as well as biodegradable plastic products, e.g. bags, straws, packaging)

What is still allowed under the 2021 single-use plastic ban?

Reusable solutions made of glass, stainless steel, deposit systems
Single-use food packaging and single-use cups made of plastic (but significantly reduced)
Single-use beverage containers made of plastic are only permitted if their lids and caps are attached to them
Compostable alternatives made from plant-based and renewable raw materials (e.g. cellulose, sugar cane, palm leaf, paper)
Edible cutlery and tableware made from grain
All alternatives must be HACCP-compliant

2023 and the future of the reusable requirement

From January 2023, the reusable requirement also applies, which states that reusable alternatives to single-use packaging must be offered.

In addition, a ban could be passed that prohibits giving away products made of single-use plastic for free.

Buy HALM glass straw

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Since 03.07.2021, the ban on single-use plastic products has been in force throughout the European Union. From 2023 onward, further tightening of the law is expected.

In general, all single-use plastic products for which an environmentally friendly or recyclable alternative already exists are banned. These include, for example, plastic straws, plastic tableware, cutlery, stir sticks and Styrofoam packaging.

All alternatives must be HACCP-compliant. Some single-use packaging and cups made of plastic are still allowed, but only to a much reduced extent. In addition, reusable alternatives made of glass, rigid plastic, stainless steel and wood, as well as initial silicone deposit systems, are to be used. Compostable plant-based alternatives and edible cutlery and tableware made from grain are also acceptable.

Every day, around three billion plastic straws are used, then thrown away, and most of them end up in the world’s oceans. To combat climate change and reduce plastic in the sea, the EU enacted this law. The best reusable alternative to plastic straws is glass straws.

The consumption of resources in the production of single-use plastic products is significantly higher, as they are consumed anew every time. A reusable product has a long service life and saves recurring purchase costs.

Yes, glass straws are the most hygienic reusable alternative, as they are transparent and easy to clean in the dishwasher.

Sources
https://strohhalmverbot.de/gesetz/
https://www.halm.co/pages/die-halm-story