Measures from the Single Use Plastic (SUP) Directive

The European Commission has introduced the SUP (Single Use Plastic) Directive (Directive (EU) 2019/904) to significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste. Under this directive, as of July 3, 2021, plastic and cardboard drinking cups must carry mandatory SUP labeling. EU member states are implementing measures to ensure that 77% of single-use plastics are collected separately by 2025, increasing to 90% by 2030. Below, you’ll find the most up-to-date information about this new regulation.

Ban on Certain Disposable Items

As of Saturday, July 3, 2021, certain plastic disposable products are prohibited. These include plastic (PS) cutlery, plastic stirrers and straws, plastic plates, and EPS foam meal containers and drinking cups, including lids. These items are disproportionately represented in European litter, which is why the new directive specifically bans these disposables. Affordable and effective alternatives are now widely available.

Mandatory SUP Labeling on Coffee Cups

On July 3, 2021, the SUP Directive requirement came into effect mandating that cardboard cups with plastic coating must bear a specific label. This labeling indicates how the cup should be disposed of and that it contains a plastic coating. The marking consists of a red and blue box with the text “THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS PLASTIC” (for use in the Netherlands). In addition to standard cups, this mandatory labeling also impacts the design of custom coffee cups. Of course, we’re happy to help you incorporate all the necessary information into your design. Cups delivered to you before July 3, 2021, do not need to carry this marking and can still be used. However, coffee cups delivered after July 3 must include the mandatory labeling.

What Does the SUP Labeling on Coffee Cups Look Like?

The mandatory labeling currently consists of two equally sized boxes with pictograms in red and blue, accompanied by the text “THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS PLASTIC”. For cups with a capacity of less than 500ml, the minimum size of the marking is 1.4 cm x 2.8 cm (3.92 cm²). For cups with a volume of 500ml or more, the minimum size is 1.6 cm x 3.2 cm (5.12 cm²). Where is the Labeling Placed on Coffee Cups? For standard coffee cups, the labeling must be applied horizontally, at a minimum resolution of 300dpi, on the exterior of the cup, as far away as possible from the rim (to avoid contact with the mouth) but not on the bottom. The text “THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS PLASTIC” must be in uppercase letters, using the Helvetica Bold font. The font size must be at least 5 points for cups under 500ml and 6 points for cups 500ml or larger.

If the products are also used in other EU countries, the text in the other official language(s) must be included in addition to the Dutch text. This can be done in two ways: directly beneath the marking or in the rectangular black box below the Dutch text, as shown in the example of our Scottish Plaid. The text must be clearly legible and written in uppercase letters using the Helvetica Bold font (minimum font size of 5 points for cups under 500ml and 6 points for cups of 500ml or more).

The color codes are as follows:

• White: C=0 / M=0 / Y=0 / K=0

• Black: C=0 / M=0 / Y=0 / K=100

• Red: C=0 / M=90 / Y=60 / K=0

• Blue: C=60 / M=0 / Y=0 / K=0

How Is This Arranged for Plastic Cups?

PET beer and drinking cups, made entirely of plastic, must also bear a printed marking or an engraved/embossed marking as of July 3, 2021 (see the example below). This marking must meet the following requirements:

• Position: The marking is applied horizontally on the exterior of the cup, as far as possible from the rim to avoid contact with the mouth while drinking. The marking must not be placed on the bottom of the cup.

• Content: The marking consists of three pictograms along with the text “MADE OF PLASTIC”.

For cups with a volume of less than 500ml, the minimum size of the marking is 1.4 cm x 2.8 cm (3.92 cm²). For plastic cups with a volume of 500ml or more, the minimum size of the marking is 1.6 cm x 3.2 cm (5.12 cm²).

Key SUP Tips/Links:

This link provides the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/2151 of the Commission laying down rules: CLICK HERE

This link contains the supplement (corrigendum) to the implementing decision: CLICK HERE

Download the vectorized SUP pictograms here: CLICK HERE

More PackagingDirect Service:

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW SUP (SINGLE-USE PLASTICS) DIRECTIVES?

Feel free to contact us via email, chat, or phone at +31 (0) 55 767 6100. Our customer service team is available 5 days a week to assist you.