The German Retail Association is in favour of direct implementation of the EU requirements in the Packaging Implementation Act. Bureaucracy and financial burdens should be minimised.
After the Federal Cabinet adopted the draft Packaging Implementation Act (VerpackDG) for national adaptation to the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR), a debate about the exact implementation is emerging. The German Retail Association (HDE) is calling for a one-to-one implementation of the European requirements in order to avoid additional bureaucratic and financial burdens for companies.
The challenge of national requirements
The HDE welcomes the removal of the originally planned organisation for prevention measures, which would have placed a financial and bureaucratic burden on companies. Nevertheless, the association criticises the fact that the current draft goes beyond the European requirements in many respects. Stefanie Stadie, HDE Environmental Policy Officer, emphasises the importance of avoiding bureaucracy, as set out in the coalition agreement. A key concern is that the national quota requirements should not go beyond the EU requirements.
The so-called gold plating in the area of reusable drinks is causing particular debate. The national target of 70 per cent reusable beverages significantly exceeds the EU targets of 10 per cent by 2030 and 40 per cent by 2040. The HDE is planning to raise these points in the parliamentary process.
Flexibility in avoidance measures
Another point of criticism from the HDE is the rigid structure of the financing of prevention measures for packaging in the original draft. The current draft offers more flexibility by allowing companies to commission third parties or take joint action. Stadie explains that it would make sense if industry associations could also take on these tasks in order to reduce the burden on member companies.
Positive trends and necessary improvements
Overall, the HDE sees a positive trend in the cabinet draft, which could mean less bureaucracy and financial burdens for retail companies. Nevertheless, Stadie emphasises that the goal of a complete one-to-one implementation of the European requirements has not yet been achieved and that improvements to the law are necessary.
The draft Packaging Implementation Act remains a key issue for the packaging industry and the retail sector, as the exact implementation of the EU requirements will have far-reaching effects on the industry. The HDE will continue to play an active role in the discussion in order to represent the interests of its members.
Source: German Retail Association (HDE)
