For many, the Advent season begins with the first piece of stollen - in future, this classic could become more expensive. The reason: a recent decision by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) that the packaging of a 750-gram Christmas stollen falls under the Disposable Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG). This classifies the film packaging as a single-use product - with significant consequences for manufacturers and consumers.
According to the UBA, the move is intended to help distribute the disposal costs for packaging waste more fairly. The law obliges manufacturers to register with the office and pay fees for the amount of plastic used - in this case 90 cents per kilo of film. The problem is that traditional biscuit packaging from specialist retailers is also being targeted.
Trade president speaks of „arbitrariness“
Sharp criticism comes from the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts. President Jörg Dittrich expressed his in the Picture-Newspaper outraged by the decision: „This is madness! It's impossible to eat a 750-gram stollen in one piece.“ He considers it unrealistic that the UBA still categorises the stollen as a typical to-go product - and calls on all affected businesses to lodge an appeal.
The Disposable Packaging Commission itself had previously emphasised that this portion size did not need to be classified as disposable packaging. This makes the interpretation that has now been adopted all the more incomprehensible.
UBA points to alternatives - and possible price consequences
The Federal Environment Agency disagrees: Manufacturers could also switch to other, plastic-free packaging. However, it remains to be seen whether this is economically feasible. A spokesperson for the UBA told the Picture, that they have no influence on whether manufacturers pass on the additional costs to consumers. However, with a price increase in the cent range, this „cannot be ruled out“.
Consequences for the trade - and for consumers
In addition to the costs, the trade criticises above all the additional bureaucratic burden. For smaller bakeries, the new set of regulations with registration, proof and duties is almost impossible to cope with - and, according to Dittrich, threatens to become a competitive disadvantage. The industry sees this as an example of excessive regulation that fails to take account of everyday life.
There is also growing concern that the law could affect other traditional forms of packaging in the future - with consequences not only for biscuits, but also for numerous everyday products. The Federal Environment Agency's categorisation practices, some of which are difficult to understand, have been repeatedly criticised. A recent KPMG study recently pointed out contradictions with the legal basis.
Sustainability yes - but with a sense of proportion, please
The Single-Use Plastics Fund Act is basically pursuing a sensible goal: reducing environmental pollution caused by to-go packaging and distributing costs fairly. However, when even stollen packaging from the bakery is included, an objective debate is needed. We can only hope that it will be held before the festive season - otherwise it could be an expensive Advent for many.
