New German law to implement the EU Packaging Regulation
The German federal cabinet has approved a draft Packaging Implementation Act to transpose the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) into national law (see BMUKN: New Packaging Act improves waste prevention and recycling). The initiative responds to provisions of the PPWR (which entered into force in 2025) that become effective on 12 August 2026 and require adaptation of national rules. The draft now enters the legislative process: it must be approved by the Bundestag and will be reviewed by the Bundesrat.
What this means in practice
The draft law strengthens producers’ responsibilities and tightens requirements for organisations that fulfil producer obligations. Key elements include:
Increased effort for waste prevention: Dual systems, industry schemes and similar organisations as well as producers that do not participate in such schemes will be required to allocate a minimum share of their budgets to measures aimed at preventing packaging waste. These actors must implement steps to promote reusable packaging and refill systems to help reduce packaging waste.
Higher recycling targets: Recycling quotas will be raised to increase the proportion of material that is recovered and recycled.
Mandatory authorisation: All organisations that assume producer responsibilities as well as producers that do not join a scheme must obtain authorisation from Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister.
How can we support you?
In our seminars on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) we guide you through the regulatory changes using illustrative practical examples:
