UK SUP Regulations Explained | What Food Businesses Need to Know in 2026

The UK Single-Use Plastics (SUP) regulations came into force in October 2023, banning the supply of certain single-use plastic items in England. Scotland and Wales have equivalent legislation.

What's banned

• Plastic plates
• Plastic bowls and trays
• Plastic cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks)
• Plastic balloon sticks
• Polystyrene food and drink containers
• Polystyrene cups

What's not banned (yet)

Plastic-lined paper cups, plastic lids, and plastic packaging not on the banned list remain legal — though further restrictions are expected under incoming EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulations.

What counts as compliant

Bagasse (sugarcane pulp) packaging contains no plastic and is fully compliant as an alternative to banned items. Wooden cutlery, paper-based products, and certified compostable materials are all accepted substitutes.

The greenwashing risk

Switching to packaging labelled "eco" or "biodegradable" without verified certification doesn't guarantee compliance or protect you from CMA scrutiny. The Green Claims Code requires sustainability claims to be accurate, clear, and substantiated.

What food businesses should do

Audit your current packaging against the banned items list. Switch to certified alternatives — not just labelled ones. Keep documentation: certification numbers, supplier declarations, and product specifications.

HOMELINK ECO's full range is SUP-compliant. Every product is PFAS-free and carries DIN CERTCO and TÜV Austria (OK Compost Home) certification. Documentation available on request.

→ Shop SUP-Compliant Packaging | Contact Us for Documentation