France, Dec. 30 -- The ban had been due to take effect on 1 January. But a decree published in the Official Journal on Tuesday said a review carried out this year raised concerns about the "technical feasibility of eliminating plastic from cups", prompting the delay.

The ministries for ecological transition and for the economy said a new review will be carried out in 2028 to assess "progress made in replacing single-use plastic cups".

When the ban comes into force on 1 January, 2030, companies will have 12 months to sell off existing stock.

The decree added that, depending on the outcome of the 2028 review, cups still allowed after 2030 would be those that "do not contain plastic, or only traces". It said the deadline could still be re...