In a bid to reduce plastic waste, Dutch officials will implement a standard surcharge of 25 cents on takeaway food and drink items served in disposable plastic packaging starting in 2026. The decision, made by State Secretary Chris Jansen for the Environment, aims to create clearer rules for businesses and consumers. Existing symbolic charges of mere cents will be abolished, with the hope that a fixed price will encourage the use of reusable containers. The regulations stem from the EU’s directive on Single-Use Plastics, targeting a significant reduction in plastic waste by 2026.