The draft bill is designed to align domestic law with the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Industry stakeholders and environmental groups are closely watching the draft, particularly its focus on reuse quotas and financial support measures.
The recently published draft of the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG) introduces a financing model intended to enhance reusable packaging infrastructure across Germany.
Under the proposal, companies that introduce single-use packaging into the market would be required to contribute to a central fund. This fund will then be used to support the development and expansion of reuse systems.
This approach aims to internalize the environmental costs associated with single-use items and incentivize a shift towards reusable solutions.
Support and Concerns from Industry Stakeholders
The Mehrweg-Allianz coalition, which includes environmental and sector associations, has welcomed the draft’s intention to strengthen reuse. They support the maintenance of a 70 percent reuse target for beverage packaging, a long-standing benchmark in Germany’s packaging regulation.
However, the alliance has also called for clear rules to ensure that contributions to the funding model come solely from single-use packaging actors, rather than companies already involved in reusable systems.
EU Packaging Regulation Implementation
The draft is part of Germany’s implementation of the EU Packaging Regulation, scheduled to take effect across the European Union on August 12, 2026.
This EU law emphasizes the reduction of packaging waste and encourages reuse and recycling practices. National implementing legislation like the VerpackDG is intended to ensure alignment with these broader regulatory shifts.
Areas Requiring Further Clarity
Stakeholders from business and environmental sectors have generally acknowledged the importance of the draft law’s focus on reuse but have also pointed out areas that need further clarification.
Representatives from the reusable packaging industry and wholesalers have emphasized the need for fair and transparent criteria governing how funds are allocated and managed.
They argue that effective governance is essential to ensure the new reuse funding model operates efficiently and supports the practical deployment of reusable systems.
Environmental groups have suggested that greater involvement of industry representatives and civil society in setting funding priorities could help balance economic and environmental objectives.
Financial Support and Industry Trends
Achieving consensus on how to distribute financial support, particularly in light of diverse packaging streams and sector needs, remains a key point of discussion before the law’s finalization. The reuse funding debate reflects wider industry trends as companies prepare for tighter regulatory scrutiny on packaging sustainability.
Here’s a breakdown of key aspects of the proposed packaging law:
Reuse Quotas
Targets set to increase the proportion of reusable packaging.
Funding Model
Companies using single-use packaging contribute to a fund supporting reuse systems.
EU Alignment
Ensures German law is in line with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
Stakeholder Involvement
Calls for greater participation from industry and civil society in setting funding priorities.
In addition to proposed national reforms, the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation aims to harmonize reuse and recycling standards across member states. This makes early engagement with reuse strategies increasingly relevant for multinational firms operating in Germany and the EU market.
Implications for Businesses
For businesses operating across distribution, retail, and manufacturing sectors, the evolving packaging law framework signals an increasing regulatory emphasis on sustainable packaging practices, extended producer responsibility, and circular economy principles.
Placing packaging on the German market will entail not only traditional obligations—such as registration in the national LUCID packaging register—but also proactive planning for contributions to reuse funding models and achievement of reuse targets.
Companies will need to assess how the draft VerpackDG’s provisions on funding, reuse quotas, and broader compliance obligations affect internal cost structures and packaging strategies. As the law undergoes consultation and potential revision before legislative approval, businesses and industry associations are expected to continue engaging with policymakers to shape the final regulatory landscape. The draft’s focus on reusable packaging systems and aligned funding mechanisms underscores Germany’s push to reduce reliance on single-use packaging and build resilient circular supply models in line with upcoming EU standards.