Hotels across the European Union will begin removing single-use plastic toiletry bottles, such as shampoo and shower gel, from guest rooms from mid-2026 under new EU rules targeting waste reduction in the tourism sector. The legislative changes, introduced through the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), reflect a continent-wide strategy to address environmental concerns linked to disposable plastics. Guests travelling after the implementation date will notice the absence of traditional miniature bottles, a move aimed at reshaping hotel industry standards and contributing to broader sustainability objectives.
The PPWR calls for a phased withdrawal of single-use plastic containers in hospitality, with specific deadlines for compliance. From mid-2026, hotels, restaurants, cafés, and similar establishments across the EU will need to start withdrawing individually packaged cosmetic items, notably the small plastic bottles commonly provided as complimentary toiletries.
The regulation sets an ambitious trajectory: by 1 January 2030, a complete ban on selling and providing single-use packaging for bath and beauty products in accommodation settings will come into force, with only narrowly defined exceptions permitted for particular circumstances. The legislative text aims to "dramatically cut plastic waste from high-turnover industries" and replace it with solutions promoting better resource management.
How the new regulation will affect hotels and guests
Following extensive negotiations at European level, the PPWR establishes stringent goals on packaging reduction, mandatory recyclability, and a shift towards reusability and compostability. Eliminating single-use toiletries in the hospitality sector, including the classic bottles of shower gel or body lotion, is positioned as a substantial step to curb plastic pollution and foster sustainable operations throughout the region. Industry stakeholders are already preparing to introduce refillable dispensers in bathrooms, offering hygiene essentials in bulk, to maintain both guest comfort and strict health standards. Other alternatives under consideration include soap bars, large-format containers for shared guest use, and systems where select items can be requested at reception to cut unnecessary waste.
Environmental impact and the move away from convenience
The decision directly addresses rising concerns over plastic pollution and the environmental legacy of disposable hotel amenities. Despite their small size, the collective volume of discarded single-use toiletry bottles generates significant waste, with low recycling rates reported for such items. Environmental agencies highlight that these plastics contribute to landfill overcrowding, waterway contamination, and the distribution of microplastics in marine ecosystems, posing risks to wildlife and human health alike. As the regulation points out, "reducing single-use plastics isn\'t simply about less waste in bins; it represents a shift toward better stewardship of natural resources." The carbon footprint associated with production, transport, and disposal of these products has also triggered policy action in Brussels.
Transitioning to a greener hospitality model
The introduction of refillable hygiene dispensers and other sustainable packaging options aligns with a broader movement within the hospitality sector to adopt green practices, including water and energy savings, waste sorting, renewable energy sourcing, and a stronger focus on local products. The PPWR acts as "both a mandate and a catalyst," pushing hotels to innovate while aligning their operations with growing customer expectations around social and environmental responsibility. In practice, this means guests should prepare for a period of adjustment; some may need to bring their own toiletries or adapt to the new standard. Early evidence from eco-conscious hotel groups suggests acceptance is high among travellers aware of environmental issues. Meanwhile, robust communication will be vital: "Hotels must clearly explain these changes to maintain guest satisfaction and reinforce their commitment to responsible tourism."
Looking ahead: The EU sets a benchmark for sustainable tourism
This reform marks the next step in the EU’s ambition to create a circular economy and reduce plastic dependence across sectors. With the tourism and hospitality industry under the spotlight, these new requirements are expected to set an example internationally. The phased ban on miniature single-use plastics in hotels not only supports environmental targets but also answers mounting public demand for ethical, sustainable travel options, further establishing the EU as a leader in green policy innovation.