Environmental advocates at A Plastic Planet are urging the UK to emulate the European Union's (EU) initiative in prohibiting single-use plastic sachets.

On March 4 2024, the EU announced plans to outlaw sauce sachets by 2030 as part of a comprehensive green packaging legislation. This legislative milestone follows extensive advocacy efforts by A Plastic Planet to eliminate sachets from the market.

In a statement posted on LinkedIn, Sian Sutherland, co-founder of A Plastic Planet, said: 

"We commend the EU's decision to phase out plastic sauce sachets. Since 2020, our Sack The Sachet campaign has tirelessly advocated for this change, while collaborating with major food industry players to implement urgently needed alternative systems and materials."

Sutherland continued: 

"Every year, an estimated 72 million kilometers of sachets are produced – equivalent to 189 round trips between the earth and the moon. Nearly all of these plastic sachets ultimately contribute to pollution in our vital ecosystems, breaking down into harmful microplastics that pervade our environment, infiltrate food chains, and release toxic, endocrine-disrupting chemicals into our soil and water."

"We now call upon the UK Government to mirror this progressive action within Britain."

Sustainability is a huge focus for us at Regency; we’re supporting hundreds of Regency members across the country, offering our support and advice on ways in which operators can reduce their environmental impact. This includes measures to significantly reduce – and in some cases eliminate – the plastic pollution they generate.

Whether you're looking to reduce your single-use products, or you'd like advice on forward-planning and demand-level forecasting to reduce carbon footprint/food miles/waste, or you're even exploring new technology to help manage your food waste, our team are here to help.

Get in touch with your Procurement Manager to explore ways in which we can support you and your business as we all continue our journeys towards net zero.