Germany: PPWR Transformed into Domestic Law, Corporate Compliance Countdown

Germany has transposed the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive into national law, increasing recycling quotas for various materials and revising rules for licensing and financing. The new Packaging Act Implementation Act will replace the current Packaging Act, which has been in effect since January 1, 2019.

Under the new regulations, recycling quotas have been raised. From 2028, aluminum and ferrous metals must achieve a 95% recycling rate. Plastics must also reach a 75% recycling rate, with 70% of that percentage required to be mechanically recycled. This adjustment is expected to reduce the amount of plastic waste incinerated at the end of its life cycle.

Under the regulation, entities such as dual systems and producer responsibility organizations must allocate a minimum share of their budget to packaging waste prevention measures. Furthermore, they must introduce measures to promote reusable packaging and refill systems; these measures could include providing startup funds for new reusable systems or conducting awareness campaigns to promote such solutions.

The scope of mandatory licensing will be extended to all organizations fulfilling extended producer responsibility obligations for multiple producers. Individual producers must apply for separate licenses. An automated process will be introduced to streamline the licensing procedure, overseen by the Central Packaging Registry. Previously funded by a dual system and industry-specific operators, the Central Packaging Registry will now also be jointly funded by producers and organizations applying for licenses.

Last year, the International Court of Justice ruled that any country failing to address greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuels is in violation of international law and may be required to pay compensation. Gartner Consulting also released its forecast that by 2028, 75% of organizations will replace voluntary packaging targets with legislative guidelines. It encourages businesses to gain a competitive advantage by complying with current and future sustainability requirements. (Source: PACKAGINGEUROPE)