After almost two years, comprehensive data and information on the initial effects of the new Packaging Act are now available. The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) is today drawing a positive interim balance. There is now significantly more recycled packaging and many more manufacturers who are fulfilling their product responsibility.
Product responsibility
Almost 200,000 manufacturers now fulfil their obligations under the Packaging Act, which is 140,000 more than four years ago. More than 75 per cent of all packaging is financed by the yellow bin and yellow bag system and contributes to high recycling volumes.
The LUCID packaging register has been able to reverse the trend here. However, this is not possible without enforcement: almost 6,000 administrative offences have been handed over to enforcement authorities or are ready to be handed over.
„The data shows that product responsibility for packaging has once again become a high priority“
Gunda Rachut, Chairman of the Foundation Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR).
Recycling and recycling-friendly design
Progress is also being made in recycling. A total of 5.3 million tonnes of packaging from private end consumers was recycled. This means a 13 per cent increase in the amount of packaging recycled. In the case of plastics, even 50 per cent more was recycled.
„The recycling volumes have two drivers: the higher quotas of the Packaging Act and the higher volumes that are involved in systems,“ says Gunda Rachut, explaining the momentum that the LUCID packaging register has generated in recycling. These figures do not include over 8,500 tonnes of packaging waste exported for recycling, as there is insufficient proof of recycling.
The new minimum standard for measuring recyclable design makes it even easier to determine the recyclable design of packaging.
There are still weak points
The packaging register is effective thanks to its transparency. It sets out the positive developments, but also highlights the weaknesses that still exist.
„This makes packaging the best documented material flow in Germany. Transparency provides the basis for policymakers to create smart and sustainable further developments in line with the waste hierarchy. The register and minimum standard have made it into the European discussions on the further development of packaging legislation. This impact confirms our path as a lean authority, but also as a trustworthy foundation.“
Gunda Rachut, Director of the Central Agency Packaging Register Foundation (ZSVR)
Source: Central Agency Packaging Register
