Labelling obligation for single-use plastic products adopted

The Federal Cabinet has passed an ordinance on the mandatory labelling of single-use plastics. It is intended to sensitise consumers to the need to use plastic more consciously.

The Federal Cabinet today adopted the Single-Use Plastics Labelling Ordinance (EWKKennzV). The EWKKennzV is a further measure of the EU Directive 2019/904 of the European Parliament.

The labelling is intended to inform consumers that the products in question contain plastic, the disposal route to be avoided and the environmental consequences of improper disposal.

The single-use plastic products should either on the packaging or the Product itself must be labelled. In future, disposable plastic drinks cups will have to be labelled on the cup itself. In addition, from 3 July 2024, the caps and lids of plastic drinks containers must be firmly attached to the beverage container must be connected.

The labelling requirement also includes the packaging of tobacco products with plastic filters and plastic filters for use in tobacco products as well as various hygiene products. Other products could be included in the regulation at a later date.

„We want to prevent careless discarding of packaging and plastic items. Disposable products in particular too often end up in nature or in the sewage system. Plastic ends up in the environment and because it doesn't decompose, it unfortunately often ends up on beaches or in the stomachs of birds and fish. This throwaway mentality must stop. Many consumers often don't even realise that some products contain plastic. With the new warning notices, we are clarifying this and showing the environmental damage caused by improper disposal. Svenja Schulze, Federal Environment Minister

Labelling requirement for single-use plastic products from July 2021

The new warnings are intended to clearly recognisable from 3 July 2021 be firmly integrated into the layout of the packaging of products containing plastic. From July, manufacturers of products containing plastics will no longer be allowed to place unlabelled products on the market.

The labelling consists of a Pictogram and a Text for labelling of the respective product category. The European Commission intends to publish vector graphics for labelling products „in the near future“.

Until the deadline of 3 July 2022, manufacturers are subject to a Transition period. Products can be labelled with non-removable stickers on a temporary basis so that usable goods do not have to be destroyed.

As products must be labelled throughout the EU and the import of unlabelled products from non-EU countries will be prohibited in future, it is assumed that unlabelled products will gradually disappear from the market. It is also expected „that innovation and product development will bring further sensible alternatives onto the market.“

Following the decision in the Cabinet the ordinance must pass the Bundestag and the Bundesrat must give its approval. The regulations are due to come into force across Europe on 3 July 2021 together with the ban on single-use plastics.

Source: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety