Craftsmen ask the government to clarify EU rules on packaging for caterers

The Croatian Chamber of Skilled Crafts (HOK) has requested official clarification from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition regarding the implementation of European Union regulations on packaging and packaging waste, particularly as they affect the hospitality sector. This request comes amid growing concerns among business owners about how these new rules will impact their operations and compliance requirements. The HOK emphasized the need for clear guidance to ensure that its members—many of whom operate in the food and beverage industry—are adequately prepared for upcoming changes.

The EU regulation on packaging and packaging waste came into force on February 11, 2025, but its application is being introduced gradually starting August 12 of this year. According to the ministry's interpretation, the hospitality sector faces specific obligations over the coming years. These include enabling refilling options for food and beverages using customers' own containers (takeaway) from February 12, 2027. By 2028, businesses will be required to offer reuse solutions within the food and drink sector, and by 2030, there will be restrictions on the use of certain single-use packaging formats. These phased implementations aim to allow businesses time to adapt while working toward broader environmental goals.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, more than 320,000 tons of packaging were placed on the Croatian market in 2023, equating to approximately 83 kilograms per person. Paper and cardboard accounted for 35 percent of this total, followed by glass at 27 percent and plastic at 22 percent. The hospitality industry uses significant amounts of packaging daily, especially in sectors involving delivery and takeaway services. As such, this sector is seen as having considerable potential to contribute to reducing waste generation and increasing the use of reusable solutions.

Dalibor Kratohvil, President of the Croatian Chamber of Skilled Crafts, noted that while the HOK supports the objectives of reducing waste and promoting responsible resource usage, each new obligation brings additional organizational, administrative, and financial challenges for hospitality businesses. He explained that the chamber sought official clarification from the ministry to provide its members with timely and accurate information, addressing public confusion and ensuring that all necessary preparations can be made without disrupting the sustainability of their operations. Kratohvil added that the goal is to ensure that hospitality businesses are informed well in advance of any changes, allowing them sufficient time to adjust and implement new obligations in a way that does not jeopardize the viability of their business models.

The HOK plans to continue monitoring the implementation of the regulation and will actively represent the interests of hospitality businesses and other craftsmen in dialogue with relevant institutions. This ongoing engagement aims to ensure that the transition to more sustainable practices aligns with both environmental goals and the practical realities faced by local businesses. The chamber’s efforts reflect a broader concern within the private sector about the balance between regulatory compliance and operational feasibility, particularly in industries where rapid adaptation could have significant economic implications.

As the deadline for implementing parts of the EU regulation approaches, the clarity of guidelines and support structures will play a crucial role in determining how effectively the hospitality sector can meet these new standards. Businesses are likely to seek further details on specific measures, including potential costs, available resources, and possible incentives for adopting more sustainable packaging solutions. The government and relevant stakeholders are expected to provide additional updates and possibly introduce transitional support mechanisms to ease the burden on affected industries during the initial phase of compliance.