Germany’s Federal Cabinet has approved the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG), updating national packaging legislation to align with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The new law will replace the Packaging Act (VerpackG) introduced in 2019.
The legislation strengthens extended producer responsibility (EPR), requiring companies placing packaging on the German market to take greater responsibility for the collection and recycling of packaging materials.
The law also introduces higher recycling targets. From 2028, aluminium and ferrous metals must each achieve a 95% recycling rate. Plastic packaging must reach a 75% recycling rate, with at least 70% achieved through mechanical recycling.
Dual systems and EPR organisations will also be required to allocate part of their budgets to packaging waste prevention initiatives, including support for reusable packaging systems, refill solutions and consumer awareness programmes.
Licensing rules will change under the new framework. Organisations managing EPR obligations for multiple manufacturers must obtain mandatory licences, while independent producers will require individual licences. An automated licensing process will be introduced and overseen by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR).
The updated legislation aligns Germany’s packaging regulatory framework with EU requirements and introduces stricter compliance obligations for companies placing packaging and packaged goods on the German market.