Flanders has postponed the implementation of a controversial ban on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, containers, and metal cans at public events, including summer festivals, until further notice.
This decision was confirmed on Tuesday by Flemish Environment Minister Jo Brouns (CD&V) in response to questions from parliamentarian Sanne Van Looy (N-VA) during a parliamentary committee session.
Originally, the Flemish government had set a deadline of January 1, 2025, to enforce the ban as part of its broader efforts to combat the growing waste problem generated by large public events, particularly during the summer festival season.
The new regulation would have prohibited the use of single-use PET bottles and metal cans unless organizers could guarantee that at least 95% of waste would be selectively sorted for recycling.
However, Minister Brouns acknowledged that the deadline for enforcing the ban was unrealistic.
He pointed out that both the events sector and drinks producers had not had enough time to prepare for the change, a sentiment shared by many within the industry. As a result, the government has opted to delay the ban in order to allow for a more gradual transition.
“We need to give the sector more time to adapt and prepare for the necessary changes,” Minister Brouns explained. He also revealed plans to engage with the events industry, along with drinks manufacturers, to discuss strategies for reducing waste, encouraging reuse, and exploring other ways to achieve the goals set out by the government.
In addition to this delay, Minister Brouns has requested that the Flemish public waste management agency, OVAM, conduct further research on which measures could be implemented in the future to reduce waste at public events.
This study will assess the feasibility of the ban in various sectors and outline a suitable timeline for its eventual implementation.
The decision to delay the ban has been met with mixed reactions. While some environmental advocates express disappointment over the postponement, others have welcomed the additional time for industry stakeholders to adjust.
Sanne Van Looy, the parliamentarian who raised the issue, voiced her approval of the decision, praising the government for providing the sector with more time to reduce its waste output.
“I am pleased to see that the sector has been given more time to work on solutions to minimize waste,” Van Looy said. “Our efforts to transition to reusable cups have already yielded positive results. The amount of waste produced has decreased, cleaning costs have been reduced, and the event grounds are cleaner.”
Van Looy emphasized the importance of supporting public events, especially in Flanders, where summer festivals are a key part of the cultural calendar.
“Festivals are an essential part of our summer tradition, and we must work together to make Flanders more environmentally conscious while ensuring that these events continue to thrive,” she added.
The decision to postpone the ban underscores the challenges of balancing environmental goals with the practical needs of event organizers, many of whom rely heavily on disposable plastic and metal containers for large-scale festivals and gatherings.
As the debate continues, both government officials and industry stakeholders will need to collaborate to find a sustainable solution that reduces waste without stifling the vibrant festival culture that defines Flanders’ summer season.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
