German packaging paper manufacturers are sending out a strong signal for a circular economy in practice: with the guarantee declaration from the Arbeitsgemeinschaft gewerblich genutzter PPK-Verpackungen (AGEPA), they are committed to maintaining a high level of recycling of transport packaging made of paper, cardboard and carton (PPK) on a permanent basis.
The associations thus clarify that an additional licensing requirement for commercially used PPK transport packaging is not necessary. Representatives of the associations recently presented the guarantee declaration to Parliamentary State Secretary Dr Bettina Hoffmann at a meeting at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).reliability and transparency through monitoring
The recycling rates of packaging paper manufacturers already exceed the regulatory requirements: The recycling of commercially used PPK packaging is stable at over 90 per cent and is set to rise to 95 per cent by 2030. The AGEPA ensures that these high quotas are documented by independent monitoring and submitted to the BMUV on an annual basis. The BMUV expressly welcomes the initiative of the AGEPA sponsoring organisations.
An advisory board made up of experts from science and industry will support the monitoring process and ensure a transparent and independent evaluation of the recycling rates. This will ensure that the industry's voluntary commitment is permanently honoured and further developed.
With AGEPA's guarantee declaration, packaging paper manufacturers are showing responsibility for their transport packaging and making it clear that they have already established a functioning recycling system. This means that an additional licensing requirement for commercially used PPK transport packaging is not necessary.
Reducing bureaucracy and practising the circular economy
The guarantee declaration is an efficient, resource-saving and unbureaucratic solution for ensuring high recycling rates.
„We have an established and functioning system. There is no reason to burden it with additional regulatory requirements.“
Thomas Greitenevert, Chairman of the Recovered Paper Committee of DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE
AGEPA's guarantee declaration shows that the paper industry is further strengthening the circular economy while avoiding unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. With this approach, the industry is setting an example for the practical and efficient implementation of EU requirements.
About AGEPA
The Arbeitsgemeinschaft gewerblich genutzter PPK-Verpackungen (AGEPA) is an association of leading industry organisations. The guarantee declaration is issued by the associations and organisations of AGEPA:
- DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE e.V.
- Folding Carton Industry Association (FFI) e.V.
- Association of Solid Board Cartons (VVK) e.V.
- Association of the Corrugated Board Industry
AGEPA is committed to the sustainable use of paper and cardboard transport packaging and ensures a high recycling rate through transparent monitoring.
Source: Association of the Corrugated Board Industry (VDW)
