New EU packaging regulation in force
Environmental Action Germany calls for further measures to consistently promote reusable packaging
In future, the new EU packaging regulation will stipulate how products are packaged and recycled in front of and behind supermarket shelves. Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has analyzed the most important changes: In addition to more recyclable packaging, consumers can expect less fruit and vegetables packaged in plastic, less unnecessarily large air packaging and an improved reusable range in discount stores from 2030. However, much depends on the implementation in Germany and the development of legal details in Brussels. DUH is therefore calling on the new German government to promote reusable packaging over and above the EU packaging regulation - for example by introducing an incentive tax on single-use plastic bottles and disposable tableware.
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Barbara Metz, Federal Managing Director of DUH: "We need less unnecessary packaging, comprehensive reusable systems and recyclable packaging - not only in theory, but also in practice. With 227 kilograms of packaging waste per capita, which is almost 22 percent more than the EU average, Germany bears a particular responsibility. With numerous exemptions, optional provisions and legal details still to be clarified in the current EU packaging regulation, there is still a long way to go to reduce single-use waste. We are therefore calling on the new German government to make use of the regulation's scope for action and consistently promote reusable packaging - for the environment, regional economic cycles and future-oriented business models. This requires financial incentives such as a levy of at least 20 cents on disposable drinks packaging. Reusable quotas for other product groups such as spreads, cooking oils, wine and dairy products are also important tools in the fight to reduce waste."
According to the regulation, hardly any fruit and vegetables in supermarkets should be packaged in plastic from 2030. By limiting the amount of air in packaging, products such as cornflakes or sweets should no longer be placed on the shelves in unnecessarily large packaging. From 2030, hotels will no longer be allowed to use portion packs, but only dispensers for soaps and shampoos.
In addition, reusable packaging will become mandatory for companies transporting their goods within the EU. By 2030, 40% of goods shipped to consumers must also be packaged in reusable packaging. However, if companies make use of the exception for cardboard boxes, hardly anything will change. Packaging that is less than 70% recyclable will not be considered recyclable from 2030 and may no longer be placed on the market. From 2038, this will apply to packaging with less than 80 percent recyclability. As things stand today, this would mean that drinks cartons, for example, would be banned. The current recycling rate in Germany is currently 71%.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
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