As of today, the new Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG) comes into force in Germany, accompanied by initial regulations from the EU Packaging Regulation. Environmental Action Germany (DUH) criticises the fact that the new law contains no effective instruments for promoting reusable systems. The 70 per cent reusable quota for beverage packaging that has been targeted for years is still not being met. The current quota stands at a mere 34.5 per cent.
Elena Schägg, Deputy Head of the Circular Economy Division at DUH, expressed disappointment over the missed opportunities of the new EU Packaging Regulation. She emphasised that the priority should be on preventing packaging waste through reusable systems. Although packaging manufacturers are to receive incentives to use recyclable packaging with a high recycled content, binding measures to promote reusable systems are lacking.
Demand for binding funding
The DUH is therefore demanding mandatory and ambitious funding for waste-preventing reusable systems.
"Currently, the reusable quota stands at a meagre 34.5 per cent. The legal target of 70 per cent reusables for beverage packaging will continue to remain out of reach without binding support instruments. In addition, companies can now merely choose between voluntary measures to promote reusables, without binding reporting obligations and sufficient transparency regarding their impact.“
Elena Schägg, Deputy Head of the Circular Economy Division at DUH
Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider is being called upon to propose an amendment to the legislation as quickly as possible in order to drive forward the expansion of reusable systems through mandatory and ambitious funding.
Source: German Environmental Aid
