Could cardboard pizza boxes be banned in Luxembourg?

However, the ban would only apply to restaurants, not supermarkets, representing a possible new blow to the hospitality sector.

From 1 January 2025, restaurateurs in Luxembourg could be hit with much stricter rules regarding packaging, with plans to only authorise reusable packaging going forward. The new law particularly targets takeaway meals, including pizzas.

The National Federation of Hoteliers, Restaurateurs and Café Owners (Horesca) has responded to the news with their concerns regarding the sector's preparations for this scenario.

Representative Claude Ries says: "If we need to implement containers that will need to be returned, washed and recycled, we are not ready to start this today. Also, although these containers may be suitable for transport, how are we to ensure we get them back?"

Lower quality plastic boxes

Currently, pizzas are delivered in cardboard boxes that must be thrown into designated blue recycling bins or grey bins for residual waste if there is any grease or food residues. Reusable alternatives would not only represent a greater investment, but would also impact the food quality, argues Ries.

"For pizzas, we'd have to switch to plastic boxes. But from experience, we've tested a hot pizza coming out of a hot oven in these boxes. The pizzas give off steam, they are greasy because of the cheese, and if they're in a plastic box they will be a bit soggy when they arrive. The advantage with cardboard boxes is that they will absorb the steam and grease, which is not the case with plastic ones."

Horesca sector "feels aggrieved"

Horesca is particularly offended by the fact that these stricter rules only affect restaurants and not supermarkets, calling it "nonsensical" and "unfair competition".

"I think our sector is buying more and more local, Luxembourgish products, also to make our pizzas for example. For me, it's not logical that a mass-manufactured product, such as a pre-packaged pizza, made abroad, is favoured by this law as it can still be sold in disposable packaging."

New law likely to affect food trucks 

A number of businesses are likely to be more disadvantaged by the new law than others, including food trucks, which are unlikely to have dishwashers on board.

"Many food trucks depend on an external system. But are consumers ready to accept a new system in which they would download an app, and guarantee they would return containers within two weeks, for example? Even though we are a small country, it's unlikely this would work 100%."

Ries says he can foresee a risk of many companies already struggling with high costs, particularly in terms of staff, could be forced to shut down as a result of the new law. Others would have to adapt their business.

Luxembourg should follow European directives

"There needs to be a middle ground, an alternative. You can see it with these vending machines where you can buy pre-packaged pizzas, these would not be affected by the new restrictions. Is it exaggerating to ask if we'd have to install vending machines outside our pizzerias in order to continue? It would be sad if that were the case."

Horesca is calling for the government to limit the new law to the European directive which calls for reusable alternatives.Environment ministry representatives are set to meet with Horesca on 15 October for a further consultation.