The Hungarian Catering Trade Association (MVI) has requested that the Ministry for Economy and Energy and the Ministry for the Living Environment review and postpone the ban on the sale of plastic beverage cups, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2026. The association believes that in the current market environment, the regulation could impose significant operational and cost burdens on hospitality establishments, turizmus.com reported.
The Hungarian Catering Trade Association has written to István Kapitány, Minister for Economy and Energy, and László Gajdos, Minister for the Living Environment, regarding the planned restriction on the distribution of single-use plastic beverage cups. The organization points out that
pursuant to Government Decree No. 301/2021, the sale of plastic beverage cups—including their tops and lids—will be prohibited starting July 1, 2026.
According to the MVI, the introduction of the regulation could pose difficulties for hospitality businesses. In its letter, the organization lists the following issues:
PP (polypropylene) and PE-coated paper cups are currently indispensable items in the hospitality industry.
Photo: Pexels
They ensure appropriate hygiene, food safety, and cost-effectiveness when serving numerous beverages, particularly cold soft drinks, beers, cocktails, iced coffees, and hot beverages for takeout. The alternative products currently available do not provide a complete replacement from either a technical or economic standpoint. Their higher purchase costs would impose a significant additional burden on industry players, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The regulation would take effect during the peak summer season, when demand for cups is highest. According to the MVI,
this could cause difficulties for the operation of restaurants, festivals, beaches, and other events, which could ultimately lead to higher consumer prices.
To ensure the sustainable operation of the food service industry and the related supplier sector, the MVI recommends extending the current deadline, which is set for June 30, 2026, by at least three to five years. Furthermore, the association also suggests treating PP cups as an exception and allowing the continued distribution of PE-coated paper cups, provided that appropriate waste management conditions are ensured, conducting extensive professional consultations with the relevant organizations and market participants before finalizing the regulations. The trade association requests that the ministries review the regulations on plastic beverage cups and postpone the entry into force of the marketing ban.
Via Turizmus.com; Featured photo: Pexels
