UK to consult on extending EU’s 2030 ban on plastic condiment sachets

The EU is due to ban single-serving plastic sachets and containers for condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise, and the UK Government is planning a consultation on whether to align with the rule. The restriction will apply in Northern Ireland under post-Brexit arrangements, but not elsewhere in the UK unless the Government chooses to extend it.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy set out the position in response to a question from Conservative MP Mike Wood, who criticised the prospect of alignment. The EU packaging regulation, which came into force in August, takes full effect in 2030 and also covers some hotel toiletries and packaging for unprocessed fruit and vegetables; a government source said the planned consultation is separate from current EU reset talks.