In a press release published on May 12, 2017, the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) informed that the new German packaging law has been approved by the upper house of the German parliament (Bundesrat). The new law aims to improve the existing ordinance on packaging by focusing on recycling and prevention of packaging waste. The recycling targets for the different packaging materials will be increased, reaching 63% for plastic and 90% for metal, glass, and paper and board by 2022. Further, there shall be incentives for packaging producers to incorporate recyclability considerations in packaging design. In addition, reusable packaging will be promoted, aiming to reach a target of 70% reusable beverage packaging.
According to the German Minister for the Environment, Barbara Hendricks, the new packaging law is an important step in the further development of the circular economy. The law will enter into force on January 1, 2019.
BMUB (May 12, 2017). “Neues Verpackungsgesetz passiert den Bundesrat.” (in German)