Monaco Introduces Restrictions on Single-Use Plastic Containers for Ready-to-Eat Foods

The new rules, established under Ministerial Decree No. 2026-129, entered into force on September 1, 2026. The measure applies to disposable plastic containers used for food intended for immediate consumption, as well as food products carrying a use-by date of three days or less.

According to information published by Monaco's Department of the Environment, the restrictions cover disposable plastic food containers such as boxes, trays, meal trays and salad bowls. The rules apply when these containers are used for ready-to-eat foods intended to be consumed either on the premises or as takeaway.

Scope of the New Restrictions

The regulation is focused on the container itself, while certain components and applications remain outside its scope.

Lids and closure systems are excluded from the restriction and may continue to be used.

An exemption also applies to containers used for fresh, cut and unprocessed fruit, where their use is considered necessary to preserve freshness, maintain food safety or help prevent food waste.

In addition, plastic coatings may still be used in certain circumstances. Containers incorporating an internal coating made from polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA) or an equivalent material are permitted when the coating functions as a necessary functional layer rather than serving simply as a separate disposable container.

These exemptions indicate that the regulation does not constitute a blanket prohibition on all plastic materials used in food packaging. Instead, it distinguishes between different packaging formats and applications, particularly where packaging may provide a functional role related to food safety, preservation or waste reduction.

Part of Monaco's Broader Plastics Reduction Strategy

The latest measure forms part of Monaco's longer-term efforts to reduce the use and disposal of single-use plastic products.

The government has cited concerns about potential microplastic migration into food, as well as the resources and energy associated with producing packaging that may be used for only a short period before becoming waste.

Monaco has progressively introduced restrictions on a range of disposable plastic products in recent years. Previous measures have addressed items such as plastic shopping bags, straws, stirrers and disposable tableware, while other rules have encouraged or required the use of reusable tableware for food and beverages consumed on the premises of workplaces and restaurants.

The measures are aligned with Monaco's broader objective of moving toward a significant reduction in single-use plastic waste by 2030.

Implications for Food Packaging

The new restrictions may encourage food businesses and packaging suppliers in Monaco to review the materials and formats used for ready-to-eat food products, particularly for short-shelf-life and takeaway applications.

For packaging manufacturers, the exemptions also highlight the importance of functionality and application-specific requirements when assessing alternative materials. Packaging that contributes to food preservation, safety or waste reduction may continue to receive different regulatory treatment from packaging used primarily for short-term convenience.

As European markets continue to develop policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics, food producers and packaging companies may need to pay greater attention to material selection, recyclability, reuse systems and the specific regulatory requirements applicable to different packaging applications.

Monaco's latest measure therefore represents another step in its gradual approach to reducing single-use plastic waste, while retaining certain exemptions where packaging is considered necessary for functional or food-safety reasons.

References

• Government of Monaco, Department of the Environment, “Une nouvelle réglementation pour lutter contre le plastique,” August 3, 2026.
• Government of Monaco, Journal de Monaco, “Arrêté Ministériel n° 2026-129 du 16 mars 2026 modifiant l’article A.431-2-2 du Code de l’environnement,” March 16, 2026.
• Government of Monaco, Mission for Energy Transition, “ZERO WASTE: new regulations enter into force,” January 5, 2023.