Skip to content
Hydration

The UK’s Plastic Shift and What It Means for Hospitality in 2026

Across the UK, the shift away from single-use plastics is gaining undeniable momentum. Since October 2023, England has banned a range of disposable plastic items, from cutlery to polystyrene cups, signaling a wider national intention to minimise waste in everyday consumption.

•Read Time: 4 min
The UK’s Plastic Shift and What It Means for Hospitality in 2026

Subscribe to our Newsletter

For hospitality, this shift isn’t just a regulatory matter. It’s becoming a defining feature of guest experience. As travellers and diners grow more environmentally conscious, venues are reassessing the fundamental elements of service, including the way water is served..

The Rise of Circular, Reusable and Refillable Water Solutions

Even as traditional single-use plastic bottles lose favour, demand for high-quality water has never been stronger. Guests want quality, taste, aesthetic presentation, but without the waste.

Across the UK, a cultural move toward refill and reuse is becoming increasingly visible. Schools, offices and public venues are replacing older fountains with modern refill points designed for reusable bottles.

This shift is reshaping expectations. Consumers are now accustomed to sustainable hydration in their daily routines and expect hotels, restaurants and workplaces to offer the same.

For hospitality venues, this opens the door to two fast-growing approaches:

  1. Locally bottled, returnable water options 

    BE WTR’s consigned, sealed glass bottles, filtered and bottled locally in London, eliminate single use plastics while delivering a premium, consistent water offering.An ideal solution for hotels, with options for both in-room and F&B areas. 

  2. On-site filtration and dispensing systems 

    For restaurants, hotels and corporate spaces, in-venue systems offer freshly filtered still and sparkling water at the point of consumption. No waste. No deliveries. No storage constraints.

    Both approaches reflect a broader trend: sustainability without compromising guest experience

     

2026: A Pivotal Year for Hospitality Sustainability

The momentum around plastic reduction is expected to intensify by 2026. Policy frameworks such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and packaging waste reforms suggest growing pressure on businesses to reduce disposable materials and report environmental progress more transparently.

At the same time, guest priorities are evolving:

  • Premium now means responsible. Eco-luxury is replacing traditional notions of indulgence.
  • Wellness drives choices. Water quality and taste play a key role.
  • Sustainability is visible. Guests notice when a venue provides thoughtful hydration options.

 

The New Hospitality Standard: Sustainable Water, Elevated Experience

What sets the leaders apart is not simply removing plastic. It's designing an experience that feels modern, intentional and aligned with guest values.

Whether through locally bottled, consigned glass bottles or on-site systems, the next chapter of UK hospitality is defined by:

  • reduced waste
  • lower operational impact
  • water quality
  • clear alignment with sustainability agendas
  • upgrading client experience

Why 2026 Is the Right Time to Lead

As regulations tighten and public expectations evolve, the hospitality businesses that act today will shape the standard tomorrow. Sustainable water service is no longer a niche add-on; it’s quickly becoming a baseline expectation.

With BE WTR, venues can deliver both: an elevated hydration experience and a meaningful sustainability impact.

Explore how BE WTR supports the UK’s shift to circular, premium water service. 

Visit: https://www.bewtr.com/en-gb/

 

Sources:

Related content