Hooray: this measure will make a portion of fries cheaper

Since 2023, you have been paying a small amount for using SUPs: single-use plastics. You probably haven’t missed it, because the plastic surcharge received extensive coverage in the news. Especially because it met with a great deal of opposition from business owners. Now there is good news: the House of Representatives wants to scrap the plastic surcharge altogether.

The plastic surcharge was introduced to combat plastic litter and encourage consumers to make more sustainable choices. The idea was nice, but in practice it worked less well. According to the House of Representatives, the plastic surcharge did not lead to greater sustainability at all. Consumers had to pay more, while that extra money did not go toward sustainability. And, well… There is still just as much plastic litter on the streets as before.

Plastic surcharge too high

All this time, businesses were allowed to decide for themselves how high the plastic surcharge would be. But on January 1 next year, the plans were supposed to change: a fixed price of 25 cents would then be introduced. This plan met with even more opposition, especially from hospitality businesses. The amount would be far too high, and there would only be more rules for businesses to comply with. Add to that the fact that the expected sustainability benefits are not turning out as hoped, and you can understand that this increase really makes no sense at all.

State Secretary accepts the will of the majority

Fortunately, the House of Representatives sees that too. PVV State Secretary Chris Jansen accepts the wishes of the majority of the House: the wish to abolish the plastic surcharge. Previously, Jansen had remained committed to the 25-cent plastic levy. The wish to scrap the plastic surcharge had already been expressed by the House of Representatives for some time. At least 1.5 years ago, a majority of the House indicated that they wanted to do away with the plastic surcharge.

The plastic levy was introduced in 2023 to comply with European legislation. What this decision by the House will look like in practice, and what it means for our ‘plastic future’, remains to be seen in the coming period.

Also read:

• From plastic cutting boards to fish: microplastics are everywhere (and your hormones aren’t happy about it)
• Do you even know how much plastic you ingest when you eat fish?
• Putting your plastic drinking bottle in the dishwasher? Don’t – here’s why

Sources: NOS, RTL Nieuws, Frituurwereld