The decision was taken by EU officials, who aim to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of single-use plastics in the hospitality sector.
The aim is for hotels and restaurants to replace individual sachets with wall-mounted dispensers that can be filled from reusable containers, or, in the case of restaurants, to use only the original packaging for products such as sauces and condiments.
The change will not be immediate, but it is expected that from 2030, establishments will no longer be allowed to offer single-use packaging.
For now, from 12 August, the implementation of these new rules will begin gradually, whilst member states adapt to the new policies and systems.
The aim of this decision is to increase the reuse and recycling of products, thereby also making producers more accountable for reducing plastic across the EU as a whole.
In an article on the subject, Euro Weekly News advises travellers to start bringing their own toiletries or, if this is not possible, to check before travelling which products are provided in hotels so they can prepare in advance, as standard industry practices are set to change shortly.
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Hotels have been doing this for years already, I’m sure the ones that still have individual, small toiletries are just using up old stock!! Even expensive hotels now have those awful dispensers in showers and bathrooms!!
By Colin Gow from Algarve on 23 Mar 2026, 20:24
And how many people voted for this EU "democratic" measure? That's right, nobody. It's very interesting how "democracy" works in Europe.
By Tony from USA on 23 Mar 2026, 21:55
Gawd almighty is that all you have to worry about
By Colette Clark from UK on 24 Mar 2026, 05:54
This is great, I wish it could be implemented even faster than 2030.
By Damion from Porto on 24 Mar 2026, 07:50
Good. We don’t need the extra waste those little bottles cause. Happy to bring my own and buy locally when I run out.
By Lisa Ritter from Lisbon on 24 Mar 2026, 12:50
Even though it's been the case for several years now, it's a stupid decision. From my experience, when you combine 3 cheap products together, shampoo, conditionner and soap, the result is pretty deceiving. You don't get the same quality as if you had the choice of 3 different appropriate products. It's unnecessary, ridiculous and not convenient, of course, the poor customers always have to support the consequences. Soon, we'll have to bring our own towels and sheets just to save money.....
By Julia from Madeira on 24 Mar 2026, 13:16
Reject shampoo!
Demand REAL poo!
By Shawn from Lisbon on 24 Mar 2026, 17:19
I detest the wall mounted dispensers. I have always taken my own bathroom stuff.
By L from Lisbon on 24 Mar 2026, 17:59
Where is the logic in that? As an air traveler I am now supposed to bring my own toiletries which for sure will be confiscated at the airport if they contain more than 100ml. So I will have to buy smaller travel-sized bottles, which doesn´t exactly help with the plastic trash issue those bureaucrats seek to avoid. Apart from that, such bottles are hard to find as few supermarkets carry small enough sizes and if, they are seriously overpriced. Congratulations Brussels.
By Arno from Lisbon on 25 Mar 2026, 04:09
@Tony I recommend you read up on the way the EU works, chum. We have by far more robust democratic processes this side of the pond than you do over there. Of course, if you are a WASP from, say, Vermont, of course you don't see the inequality of the good ole Murican system. Try asking someone from a black background in Alabama. Or someone with a Spanish name in Colorado. Or a queer person in Texas.
The European system is far from perfect, but it really beats yours hands down.
As for the sachets... will anybody really miss them? Or is it just reaction to change?
By Nico from Other on 25 Mar 2026, 08:22