Beer must now also be offered in reusable cups in football stadiums.picture: karina hessland / imago
Bundesliga
For the restart of the Bundesliga after the World Cup break, there are reusable cups in all German soccer stadiums. Just like restaurants, bistros and cafés that sell food on the go, stadium operators are legally obliged to also offer reusable packaging, the Federal Ministry for the Environment announced. The reusable variant must not be more expensive than the product in the disposable packaging and must be offered in the same size.
Schalke 04 is the last club to follow suit
According to the German Environmental Aid (DUH), 17 out of 18 first division clubs already used reusable cups at the start of the current Bundesliga season. FC Schalke 04 were the last club to give in – at the latest point in time that was possible: on January 1, 2023.
Reusable only applies to plastic cups and crockery
Mugs in a royal blue design are now available for a deposit of two euros. The reusable obligation only applies to single-use cups and dishes made of plastic. French fries can therefore continue to be offered in disposable cardboard bowls and with a wooden fork.
Just five years ago, ten clubs in the premier league would have used disposable cups, causing a mountain of waste of more than 8.5 million plastic cups every year. “Reusing cups to serve drinks is the best way to avoid waste, save energy and protect the climate”, said the DUH. After the fifth use, reusable cups could be more environmentally friendly than the common disposable versions.
Reusable packaging is intended to relieve the environment
Since January 1st, the multi-way offer has been mandatory in Germany. Accordingly, restaurants, bistros and cafés that sell takeaway food and drinks must also offer products in reusable packaging. According to the Federal Environment Ministry, disposable plastic packaging in particular should be replaced. The Bundestag decided on this obligation in May 2021.
The consumption of packaging has been increasing for years, said Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens). The new obligation to offer reusable products could make a decisive contribution to reversing the trend. “Many restaurants and cafés, but also caterers and canteens, made the switch early on. Nobody has to accept disposable plastic anymore.”she said.
(sb/dpa)
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