The Dutch government is scrapping the extra levy on single-use plastic cups and food boxes in line with MPs’ wishes, junior environment minister Chris Jansen has told parliament.

The aim of the surcharge, introduced in July 2023, was to encourage consumers to opt for more environment-friendly alternatives, as one of a string of measures to reduce plastic waste.

The rates varied from business to business, with some companies criticised for charging too much, while others initially charged five cents but later lowered this to a symbolic one cent.

The government had planned to standardise the charge at 25 cents from next year but a majority of MPs have backed a motion calling on the levy to be dropped altogether.

The Dutch legislation stemmed from European rules to promote reusable packaging. Some 19 million plastic cups and food packages are thrown away in the Netherlands every year, and the goal was to reduce this by 40% by 2026.

Since charges were introduced for plastic bags in 2017, the number of bags found in regular litter has dropped by 70%.