Germany’s draft revision of the national packaging law proposes new mechanisms to support reusable packaging and expand reuse funding models, reinforcing the country’s shift away from single-use packaging and towards a circular economy.
The draft bill, which aligns domestic law with the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), has drawn attention from industry stakeholders and environmental groups for its focus on reuse quotas and financial support measures.
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Draft law proposes funding model for reusable packaging
The recently published draft of the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG) introduces a financing model aimed at expanding reusable packaging infrastructure in Germany.
Under the proposal, companies that place single-use packaging on the market would be required to contribute to a central fund designed to support the development and scaling of reuse systems.
This approach seeks to internalise environmental costs associated with single-use items and incentivise shifts towards reusable solutions.
The coalition known as the Mehrweg-Allianz, which includes environmental and sector associations, welcomed the draft’s intent to strengthen reuse. It welcomed the maintenance of a reuse target of 70 per cent for beverage packaging — a long-standing benchmark in Germany’s packaging regulation aimed at reducing waste and conserving resources.
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By GlobalDataHowever, the alliance has also called for clear rules ensuring that contributions to the funding model fall solely on single-use packaging actors rather than companies already operating in reusable systems.
The draft forms part of Germany’s implementation of the EU Packaging Regulation, set to take effect across the European Union on 12 August 2026.
This EU law emphasises 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.
Industry and environment groups respond to reuse emphasis
Stakeholders from business and environmental sectors have broadly acknowledged the importance of the draft law’s reuse focus but have also highlighted areas requiring further clarity.
Representatives of the reusable packaging industry and wholesalers have stressed the need for fair and transparent criteria governing how funds are allocated and managed.
They argue that effective governance will be essential to ensure that the new reuse funding model operates efficiently and supports practical deployment of reusable systems.
Environmental groups have noted that greater involvement of industry representatives and civil society in setting funding priorities could help balance economic and environmental objectives.
Achieving consensus on how to distribute financial support, particularly in light of diverse packaging streams and sector needs, remains a key point of discussion ahead of the law’s finalisation.
The reuse funding debate reflects wider industry trends as companies prepare for tighter regulatory scrutiny on packaging sustainability.
In addition to proposed national reforms, the forthcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation aims to harmonise reuse and recycling standards across member states, making early engagement with reuse strategies increasingly relevant for multinational firms operating in Germany and the EU market.
Compliance implications for businesses and packaging strategies
For businesses that operate across distribution, retail and manufacturing sectors, the evolving packaging law framework signals 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.
