SUP legislation: drinking office coffee from reusable cups

Whether in the office, in the school canteen or at an event, reusable cups are the new standard. No more hassle with waste, no extra cost for disposables, and just a nice cup of coffee in a nice cup.

The main goal of the SUP directive is to reduce the environmental impact of disposable plastics (such as balloons, meal containers, beverage containers, straws, and cutlery). The directive includes a package of measures to reduce the proportion of disposable plastic in litter and in the sea (plastic soup). One impactful measure is the obligation to pay a fee for the costs incurred by public area managers in cleaning up these SUP packages present in Dutch litter.

Are you curious about our environmentally friendly solutions for your office or educational institution? Or would you like to know which approach best suits your organization? Feel free to contact us for a free quote on the transition to a plastic-free working environment. Together we take the step to a future without disposable plastic, with solutions such as reusable cups and other sustainable alternatives.

Goodbye disposable cups - hello reusable cups

Sustainable cup choices for businesses

Research shows that the Dutch are leaving traditional disposable cups behind and enthusiastically opting for sustainability. Retulp is proud to offer a wonderful range of reusable cups and mugs to municipalities, offices, schools, hospitality venues and events. Several offices have already made the leap to reusable coffee cups. Take Heineken, for example: they already save 115,000 cups annually at a single office. This results in both a cost saving of €4,000 and a reduction in their carbon footprint. Care organization Topaz also made their sustainable switch: from 12,000 single-use cups per month to none at all. And at the Council of State? Thanks to Retulp, they have personalized Tumblers that are not only stylish, but also reduce disposable plastic.

Easy from disposable to reusable

Retulp has three sustainable solutions that are ideal for companies and educational institutions looking to switch to environmentally conscious office products. Our concepts not only focus on reducing plastic use, but also offer practical benefits such as simplicity of use, cost reduction and SUP 2024 compliance. Find out below which approach best suits your organization to take a step toward a future without disposable plastic: https://retulp.co.uk/offices-and-institutions/

Don't throw the SUP rules in the bin

Trade fair reusable packaging

Retulp was present this year at the Reusable Packaging Fair in 's Hertogenbosch. At this fair more than 400 visitors and 25 exhibitors came together to talk about sustainable ways of packaging.

Solutions for plastic-free 2025

It's mostly about packaging that you don't throw away right away, but can use multiple times. The legislation around packaging is changing a lot in the next few years. Here are a few updates coming up:

PPWR (EU, Feb 2025): all packaging must be recyclable and reuse made easier. PFAS in food packaging? To be banned.
Netherlands (from Jan 2026): at pickup and delivery, there will be a fixed €0.25 surcharge on disposable cups and trays. On-site use? Then reusable remains mandatory.
Plastic pellets agreement (Apr 2025): stricter rules against loss of plastic pellets in the chain. Companies must demonstrably handle this raw material responsibly.

Retulp At the Fair - Reusable Packaging 2024

Retulp fast mini dishwasher

During the reusable solutions fair, we showed how easy sustainable can be. One of the audience favorites? Our compact, sustainable mini dishwasher. Ideal for the office, schools or events. In just a few minutes, coffee cups are clean again - no fuss, no waste.

Visitors were surprised at how quickly and efficiently the machine works. No more piles of dirty cups, just a smart solution that works and contributes to less waste. Wondering how this works in your workplace? Discover the sustainable mini dishwasher

Frequently asked questions about the new legislation

Why is reuse mandatory since 2024 and what will change in 2025?
Since Jan. 1, 2024, disposable cups have been prohibited when consumed on site. In 2025 the focus is on compliance and expansion of the rules. Think of stricter controls, and from the beginning of 2026 a fixed surcharge of €0.25 applies to take-out and delivery. So: 2025 is the year to really switch completely to reusable.

Will coated cardboard cups still be allowed in 2025?
Only if you can prove they are collected and recycled. When used on site, reusable cups are mandatory. Plastic-coated cardboard without a proper collection system is not sufficient.

What is the status of disposable at pickup and delivery in 2025?
As a customer, you may still choose between reusable and disposable, but disposable is subject to a mandatory surcharge. From 2026 this will be further tightened. Give away for free? That has not been allowed since 2024.

Can I still use old stocks of disposable cups in 2025?
Not for on-site consumption. Those rules went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. For takeout, it's still allowed temporarily, but only for a fee. So switching to reusable now is just smarter.

What does the European PPWR legislation mean for packaging in 2025?
From February 2025, all packaging within the EU must be demonstrably recyclable. There will also be targets for reuse, refilling and a ban on harmful substances such as PFAS in food packaging.

What actions should I take for my company or organization in 2025?

Replace all disposable with reusable cups
Set up a clear collection system
Inform employees and visitors actively
Provide a practical solution for washing up (e.g. a mini dishwasher)

How do I ensure employees continue to use their reusable cup in 2025?

Put usage at the center of your policy: give each employee their own cup, work with a deposit or reward system, and make sure cleaning is easy. In 2025, it's about structural behavior change, not one-time actions.

What do I do when clients don't have their own cup with them?
Offer a reusable cup with a deposit system or small rental fee. That way you keep it sustainable and welcoming without breaking the rules.

What is the advantage of switching now in 2025, when 2026 is only the next step?
By switching now, you avoid stress and extra costs later. You comply with the rules, are prepared for what is to come, and show that you take sustainability seriously.