EU targets single-use plastics: ADA Cosmetics offers hotels eco-friendly alternatives

A paradigm shift in hospitality practices is on the horizon. On 24^th April 2024, the European Parliament approved a proposed law to ban certain single-use plastic products, including mini cosmetics bottles for hotels, from 2030. As the market leader in hygienic, innovative, and sustainable dispenser solutions, ADA Cosmetics is proud to support its clients in complying with the new legislation, helping to stem the rising tide of packaging waste.

The expert partner for an eco-friendly hotel bathroom upgrade

ADA Cosmetics welcomes and supports the European Parliament’s vote to ban single-use plastic bottles in hotel bathrooms, and looks forward to a future where every hotel offers environmentally conscious and sustainable alternatives.

As the creator of the first cosmetic dispenser system for hotels more than 30 years ago, the market leader is an experienced partner to accompany this step change in hotel amenities. ADA Cosmetics’ wide range of innovative dispenser solutions are developed according to circular principles, and aim to make a permanent shift away from small portion bottles both simple and effortless.

CMO of ADA Cosmetics, Gerd von Podewils, says: “This proposed EU-wide law is another crucial step forward in the journey towards an environmentally conscious travel industry. It will allow both travellers and hotel owners to make sustainable choices that help reduce plastic waste and protect our planet for future generations.”

An impactful new EU policy on single-use plastic packaging

The new law proposes an EU-wide ban on several types of plastic packaging from 2030, including thin plastic shopping bags, single-use packaging for fruits and vegetables, individual condiment servings in restaurants, and mini cosmetics bottles in hotels.

The regulation seeks to improve the environment and quality of life in the EU, considering the following aspects:

• Environmental Protection: Single-use plastic items contribute significantly to plastic pollution, especially in our oceans and waterways. By prohibiting their use, the new law aims to combat marine litter and the resulting harm to wildlife.
• Resource Conservation: Single-use plastics are typically made from non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels. Reducing their use saves resources and encourages the adoption of more sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable materials.
• Waste Reduction: Following a brief period of use, single-use plastics often end up in landfills or incinerators. The new law seeks to reduce such waste by promoting reusable, recyclable and compostable alternatives.
• Promotion of the Circular Economy: The new law supports the transition towards a circular economy, where resources such as packaging materials are repurposed and kept in use for as long as possible.
• Public Health and Safety: Single-use plastics can pose health risks, especially when they break down into microplastics and enter the food chain. By reducing their production and use, the new law will protect human health and safety.

ADA Cosmetics is fully committed to these objectives and pleased to offer a diverse portfolio of alternatives to single-use plastic bottles.

Innovative dispenser solutions that fulfil all EU requirements

A trailblazer in circularity, ADA Cosmetics has been a strong supporter of the transition away from single-use plastic from the very beginning. The company’s Cradle to Cradle Certified^® Silver product portfolio is composed of recyclable, refillable and mono-material dispenser solutions that both reduce plastic waste and enable significant cost savings.

Bestselling systems such ADA Cosmetics’ SmartCare enable a 75% plastic saving compared to the use of small portions, which equates to 3.5kg of plastic waste per hotel room, per year. As travellers become increasingly eco-conscious and aware of concerns about waste, packaging and plastic, a hotel’s environmental commitment is something they strongly appreciate.

Named as the world’s most hygienic dispenser system, SmartCare guarantees no dripping, no back contamination and no wear-out effect. Its patented membrane technology is accompanied by a Safe Lock Seal, providing visual proof that the dispenser has been neither opened nor manipulated. An independent hygiene institute, the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in Germany, recognised the superiority of SmartCare in a recent study, which found zero bacteria inside the system’s dispensers.