The „We are plastics“ initiative of the associations GKV Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie, Plastics Europe Deutschland and VDMA Kunststoff- und Gummimaschinen supports the demand of the recent conference of environment ministers for a reform of Section 21 of the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) and thus an eco-modulation of licence fees for packaging.
„High recyclability must become a must-have for all packaging materials and must also be financially supported in Germany,„ emphasises Dr Isabell Schmidt, Managing Director of Circular Economy at the IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen. “Anyone who is serious about climate protection and the circular economy in the packaging market cannot ignore the demand for a Consideration of recyclability in the calculation of licence fees just join in.“
Background: The Conference of Environment Ministers (UMK) views with „great concern“ the Increase in fibre-based composite packaging in Germany. This packaging consists of paper, cardboard or carton, which must be coated with functional plastic barriers in order to be able to package moist or greasy foods, cleaning agents or cosmetics.
„Therefore, it is not pure paper, cardboard or carton packaging that is used here, but variously designed fibre-based composite packaging, which often has little to no recyclability,“ states the UMK. Market observers have been aware of this trend for some time (GVM Study 2021).
Financially improving the licensing of recyclable packaging
The environment ministers and senators of the federal states are calling on packaging manufacturers and users to find solutions to the „existing deficits across the board in the implementation of producer responsibility for fibre-based packaging“. They are also calling on the German government to take action: The already Reform of Section 21 VerpackG provided for in the coalition agreement is described as an „effective measure“ to stop the evasion trend on the market. This reform aims to put recyclable and ecological packaging in a better financial position than other packaging when it comes to licensing - namely according to objective criteria and independent of the packaging material.
„We are plastics“ supports the UMK's demand and is pushing for a Implementation before the end of this legislative period, to further develop the German packaging market in a sustainable direction.
„We welcome the differentiated approach to plastic packaging that is easily recyclable, as called for by the environment ministers. Material neutrality should not only apply to the Packaging Act or the plastic levy planned by the German government, but should serve as the unshakeable cornerstone of all regulations and assessments.“
Dr Alexander KronimusManaging Director of Plastics Europe Germany
