The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) has published the 2025 edition of the minimum standard for recyclable packaging. The guidelines have been revised and made more practical.
The challenging goal is that by 2030, only packaging that is at least 70 per cent recyclable will be on the market. Companies need the knowledge and lead time to adapt their production and procurement processes accordingly. The structure of the new minimum standard has been fundamentally revised. It helps companies to independently assess the recyclability of their packaging more easily and to initiate the necessary changes at an early stage.
At the request of industry, the ZSVR, in cooperation with the UBA and an expert group the minimum standard 2025 even more practical. The claim should be legible from the point of view of those who have to apply it: This affects many companies, but primarily producers of packaging. The technical principles of the standard remain largely unchanged.
Visually and structurally, however, the new edition differs significantly from its predecessors. This puts the packaging categories in the foreground - organised according to the predominant material of the main packaging component. A system that is being implemented with the European Packaging Ordinance (PPWR).
Measurement according to packaging categories
The methodology for determining recyclability remains unchanged. What is new is the presentation of the individual test steps and a formula for calculating recyclability. Users can now find out in detail how to determine the recyclability of their packaging, by first assigning them to a packaging category. They can then specifically determine the recyclability of the key design parameters of their packaging. All relevant information for the assessment can now be found bundled in Annex 2 of the minimum standard.
The extended presentation facilitates handling and reduces misinterpretations. In addition to the minimum standard Practical assistance is provided: Application help and explanatory background information are available immediately; technical documentation and an attribute list will follow somewhat later.
New professional perspectives through an expanded group of experts
The ZSVR has specifically expanded the group of experts for the 2025 minimum standard: Medium-sized companies, additional system operators and representatives of the Forum Rezyklat now contribute their perspectives and experience. This interdisciplinary composition ensures a high degree of practical relevance, technical expertise and a broad professional foundation.
The new 2025 minimum standard marks an important step on the path from national law to the European Packaging Ordinance.
„Even if the PPWR comes into force in August 2026 with the first regulations, the new minimum standard is still based on Section 21 VerpackG. It cannot anticipate the EU Commission's pending delegated act on the assessment of recyclability, which is expected in 2028. Nevertheless, the 2025 edition already provides companies with clear guidance today: it gives them sound indications of what is important - and enables them to assess their packaging at an early stage and develop it further in a targeted manner.“
Gunda Rachut, Board of the ZSVR
Source: ZSVR
