The United Kingdom is considering a ban on single-serving sachets of ketchup, mayonnaise, sugar, salt, oil, and vinegar, potentially aligning with European Union regulations. Environment Minister Emma Hardy confirmed that while the EU's ban on these items will apply in Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit rules under the Windsor Framework, a consultation is being planned to assess UK-wide alignment.
The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which took effect in August and fully implements by 2030, also targets other single-use plastics, including hotel amenity bottles and packaging for unprocessed fresh fruits and vegetables. According to campaign group A Plastic Planet, an estimated 855 billion plastic sachets are sold annually worldwide.
Conservative MP Mike Wood criticized the potential move, stating, "We’ve seen the Government’s approach to these EU negotiations is to give way on absolutely everything that adds to the flavour of British life." He added, "But now obviously they are giving away the flavour of our sausage sandwiches as well." A government source clarified that the consultation is separate from ongoing EU reset talks.