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The European Green Deal aims to achieve climate neutrality in the EU by 2050. The action plan for the circular economy plays an essential role in this. Among other measures, only reusable or recyclable packaging is to be produced by 2030. In Germany, the Packaging Act is meant to pave the way towards this goal. 

For example, the Packaging Act prohibits the marketing of plastic bags with a wall thickness of less than 50 µm that are filled with goods at points of sale as of 2022.

Manufacturers and distributors of reusable packaging are obliged to accept and recycle them and must inform consumers about the option of returning them.

Companies that place their goods on the market in packaging must register in the LUCID Packaging Register by 01/06/2022. Manufacturers of packaging covered by the Packaging Act must document the volumes of packaging that have been returned and recycled (obligation to provide evidence). 

Final distributors who fill disposable plastic food packaging and disposable beverage cups with goods must also offer reusable packaging as of 2023, whereby the goods in the reusable packaging may not be offered at a higher price or under less favourable conditions.

By the end of 2030, at least 70 % of packaging waste must be recycled annually. The following recycling rates must be met: wood 30 %, plastics 55 %, aluminium 60 %, glass 75%, ferrous metals 80 % and paper and board 85 %.

What does the Packaging Act mean for beverage packaging?

Another goal of the Packaging Act is to reach a minimum share of 70 % of beverages filled in reusable beverage containers. Since 2022, the mandatory deposit has also applied to disposable plastic beverage bottles and beverage cans up to 3 l filled with mixed and alcoholic beverages, juices or nectars.