Weblog

08/25/2026

2026 is an important year for companies that use packaging and single-use products on a daily basis. Growing requirements to reduce waste and use more sustainable solutions are encouraging businesses to look for alternatives to traditional plastic.

One natural alternative is wood. In the food service, food production and retail industries, wooden disposable products are becoming increasingly popular, combining functionality with a natural appearance.

PPWR – What Is Changing in 2026?

One of the most important topics related to packaging is PPWR, the EU regulation concerning packaging and packaging waste. Its objectives include reducing the amount of packaging waste, increasing the possibilities for packaging reuse and improving recycling.

The regulations cover the entire life cycle of packaging – from its design and production to the way packaging waste is managed. For businesses, this means taking an increasingly conscious approach to the materials used in their everyday operations.

It is important to remember, however, that PPWR does not simply mean that every plastic product must be replaced with a wooden one. The right solution should always be selected based on the product’s intended use, functionality and the specific requirements of the application. 

Plastic or Wood – Which Should You Choose? 

Plastic has been the standard material used to manufacture disposable accessories for many years. Today, however, more and more companies are looking for alternatives to plastic, especially in areas where natural materials can be used successfully.

Wood is one such material.

In the food service industry, wooden disposable cutlery – including forks and knives – is becoming increasingly popular. These products are used in restaurants, bars, catering companies, food trucks and at outdoor events.

Another good example is wooden drink stirrers. They are lightweight, convenient to use and suitable for both hot and cold beverages.

Wooden Sticks – A Simple Solution for the Food Industry

Wood is also used in the production and serving of ice cream and other food products.

Wooden ice cream sticks are used by both small ice cream shops and larger manufacturers. They are available in various sizes and versions, making it possible to select a product suited to a particular type of dessert.

Patyczki Myjak also offers wooden sticks for fish and snacks. They can be used for products such as herring, rollmops, canapés, appetisers and other food products.

These small items are a good example of how businesses can gradually reduce their use of plastic.

Eco-Friendly Products for the Food Service Industry

The food service industry is one of the sectors where disposable products are used in very large quantities every day. Cutlery, stirrers, sticks and serving accessories are needed both in restaurants and other permanent venues, as well as during events and outdoor functions.

For this reason, it is worth considering which products can be replaced with wooden alternatives.

Eco-friendly products for the food service industry can not only be functional equipment for a business, but can also become part of a brand’s communication strategy. The natural appearance of wood fits well with the expectations of customers who are increasingly paying attention to how companies operate and what materials they use.

.

 

Not Just Food Service – Where Else Is Wood Used?

Wooden products have many other applications. One example is wooden spatulas, which are used, among other places, in medical practices and beauty salons.

Companies looking for non-standard solutions can also take advantage of custom-made wooden products. When a product requires a specific shape, size or application, the ability to manufacture it according to individual specifications can be particularly important.

Why Is the Origin of the Wood Important?

When choosing eco-friendly products, it is not enough to look only at the material itself. Its origin, quality and production methods are also important.

At Patyczki Myjak, we use Polish beech and birch wood, and our products are manufactured in Poland. The company also holds FSC® certification and quality certificates confirming that its products are suitable for contact with food.

For businesses, this means the opportunity to work with a Polish manufacturer offering both standard products and custom-made solutions tailored to individual requirements.

How Can Your Company Prepare for the Changes in 2026? 

Preparing for the upcoming changes does not necessarily mean completely restructuring your business. A good starting point is to analyse the disposable products currently used by your company.

A sensible approach is to:

• check which plastic products are currently being used,
• identify which of them can be replaced with wooden alternatives,
• choose products suited to their specific application,
• verify the requirements relating to packaging and single-use products,
• pay attention to the origin and quality of the raw materials,
• establish cooperation with a manufacturer capable of providing the required volume of products.

This approach allows businesses to introduce changes gradually, without making rushed decisions.

Plastic or Wood? Make an Informed Choice

Wood will not be the right replacement for plastic in every application. In many cases, however, it can be a practical and natural alternative, particularly for disposable products used in the food service and food industries.

The changes introduced by PPWR provide a good opportunity to take a closer look at the materials your company uses. Choosing wooden cutlery, stirrers, sticks or other wooden products can be one of the steps towards reducing the use of plastics.

Patyczki Myjak – for over 40 years, we have specialised in manufacturing wooden products. Our range includes wooden ice cream sticks, wooden cutlery, wooden drink stirrers, spatulas, as well as sticks for fish and snacks. We also fulfil custom orders.

If you are looking for eco-friendly products for the food service or food industry, take a look at our range and choose solutions tailored to your company’s needs.

Plastic or wood? In many cases, the answer may be simpler than you think – choosing wood can be a practical step towards more sustainable solutions.