The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR), in cooperation with the German Environment Agency (UBA), has published the new edition of the minimum standard for measuring the recycling-friendly design of packaging. This enables the recyclability of packaging to be determined simply. The calculation requires only a few details and evaluates all materials according to the same rules. With the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the Packaging Act Implementation Act (VerpackDG), the minimum standard is gaining further significance.
The 2026 minimum standard provides a simplified methodology for assessing the recyclability of packaging. Users can calculate the proportion by weight of packaging that can actually be recovered as a secondary raw material in the recycling process. This calculation is based on a few details, such as the material type, design parameters like material combinations or barrier layers, and their weights. Crucially, all materials are assessed according to the same rules, enabling a fair comparison.
The methodology dispenses with blanket surcharges or deductions that favour individual materials or packaging designs. At the same time, it remains open to innovation: companies can have new materials or material formulations recognised as recyclable materials upon providing appropriate proof.
Actual recyclability as a percentage
Using the minimum standard, users calculate the proportion of a packaging’s weight that emerges as a recyclable material in recycling, minus losses due to design. The result provides a specific percentage value. The same calculation logic applies to all material types and to every separately assessed packaging component.
„Sorting and recycling plants can only recover what the packaging releases. Therefore, the minimum standard only credits what actually arrives at the recycling stage. Anyone measuring by this today already knows where their packaging stands with regard to the European 70 per cent threshold – subject to pending European specifications. This buys companies time for adjustments.“
Gunda Rachut, Board of Directors of the ZSVR
Anyone measuring packaging reads off the specifications directly rather than working out the classification for themselves. At the request of many stakeholders, the minimum standard covers all relevant packaging categories with their most frequent design parameters. The new 2026 edition published by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) in agreement with the German Environment Agency (UBA) refines these specifications in accordance with the principle: „As simple as possible, as differentiated as necessary.“ The authors have added design parameters, made more precise distinctions or grouped them together where different designs lead to the same result. This enables companies to classify their packaging correctly even more quickly and easily. The methodology itself remains unchanged.
Minimum standard is gaining importance
With the European Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG), the recyclability of packaging is becoming a central criterion. From 2030, only packaging that is at least 70 percent recyclable may be placed on the market. The Minimum Standard 2026 serves as the basis for assessing recyclability and helps companies prepare for these upcoming requirements. Packaging that performs well according to this standard is already well-equipped for future European regulations.
Source: Central Agency Packaging Register
