Background:
As part of Malta’s efforts to fight plastic waste and marine litter, in 2021, Malta banned various single-use plastic items including cutlery and food and beverage containers and cups made of expanded polystyrene (jablo) amongst other single-use plastic products. To further decrease the use of single-use plastic food containers and drinking cups and promote the use of reusable alternatives, consumption reduction measures were included in the national Single Use Plastics Framework Regulations (S.L. 549.149). To this end, the ERA has developed a set of guidelines to help catering establishments offering food and beverages including cafes, restaurants, and food trucks, with the adoption of measures to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic food containers and cups for beverages.
The document will help such establishments to:
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- Choose the better single-use non plastic alternatives, and
- Design effective reusable systems taking into account the:
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- characteristics of the Maltese waste management system;
- environmental impact of the alternatives chosen;
- overall economic balance of catering establishments;
- market availability;
- safety and hygiene measures; and
- other relevant legal obligations that would in any way affect the use of reusable food containers and cups for beverages.
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This policy document has been approved in line with Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549).
Documents:
Intent and Objectives – Consultation Brief
Intent and Objectives – Public Submissions and Responses
