European Union's 2028 Reusable Packaging Mandate Raises Serious Cleaning Concerns

An Emerging Crisis in Reusable Packaging

As the European Union prepares to enforce its directive on reusable packaging by February 12, 2028, a significant challenge is arising within the food service sector: the cleaning of reusable cups. This directive mandates that eateries provide reusable packaging as part of an official reuse system, failing which they could face penalties. Yet, amidst these requirements, a perplexing question lingers: who will wash the millions of cups that will be circulating across the European economy?

According to BMI Korea, a South Korean company with over 30 years of experience in high-pressure cleaning, the issue lies not in the collection of these reusable items, but rather in establishing efficient cleaning processes. The EU generated a staggering 79.7 million tons of packaging waste in 2023, averaging 177.8 kg per person, with only 42.1% of plastic packaging being recycled. Moreover, the demand for disposable cups is projected to reach 491 billion units by 2028, while the UK alone consumes around 7 million cups daily, resulting in a disposal of 30,000 tons of waste annually.

The UNEP's data reveals that using reusable cups could help reduce emissions by as much as 69% compared to single-use cups. However, the European Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) sets ambitious waste reduction targets of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040, leading to the pressing need for adequate washing infrastructure across European markets.

BMI Korea claims to have developed a solution. Their HPW-5000 machine can clean up to 5,000 reusable cups per hour at a pressure of 50 BAR, significantly faster than traditional manual washing methods without risking damage to the cups. This device integrates easily into existing washing lines, negating the need for complete system overhauls. Already operational in South Korea for over two years, this innovative system has been successful in reducing labor by replacing 4 to 5 workers per line. An installation is scheduled for delivery in Japan in October of this year. BMI Korea boasts over 89 installations across 28 countries, including lines servicing major international bottled water brands.

"Reusable cups can cut down emissions drastically, yet this reduction is only sustainable if restaurateurs can effectively wash them quickly and efficiently," stated Sang Koo Lee, CEO of BMI Korea. He emphasized that while the 2028 deadline mandated by European legislation approaches, the lack of adequate washing capabilities presents a crisis.

BMI Korea provides three models of their cleaning equipment: the HPW-5000 (5,000 cups/hour), HPW-1000 (1,000 cups/hour), and the Lid Washer (1,000 lids/hour). The challenge of manual pre-washing is a known bottleneck, as staff currently scrub cups by hand, which is both slow and variable in quality. The introduction of the HPW-5000 streamlines this process, ensuring a consistent and rapid washing experience.

With an urgent need for scalable cleaning solutions to meet impending regulations, the EU's directive on reusable packaging may bring about both challenges and opportunities for innovation. As the food industry prepares for this significant transition, questions about operational efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental responsibility have never been more critical. The response from companies such as BMI Korea could pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future, tailored to the demands of a complex new regulatory environment.