News

The German Central Agency Packaging Register’s current interpretation of the term 'manufacturer' has sparked widespread criticism, particularly among small retailers. In the lead-up to 12 August 2026, possible revisions to the definition are being discussed with various stakeholders, including several retail associations. However, VERE issues a clear warning: this legal interpretation originates from the European Commission and has been closely coordinated with the German Federal Ministry for the Environment and the German Environment Agency. Crucially, this clarification enhances legal certainty by clearly defining the allocation of PPWR obligations for own-brand products. In particular, it provides smaller suppliers with greater planning certainty and a more predictable regulatory framework.

The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles is picking up the pace. The German Federal Ministry for the Environment is currently preparing a draft bill for the new Textiles Act, which is expected to be presented this summer. Although, according to the ministry, no final draft has yet been completed and many details remain unresolved, discussions within the industry are already well underway.

A recent study highlights why the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) requires fundamental reform. Despite rising volumes of electrical and electronic equipment being placed on the market, collection and recycling rates remain well below EU targets. The study outlines concrete solutions that could not only protect the environment and conserve resources but also unlock economic potential worth billions of euros.

The success of packaging recycling depends less on the level of producer fees than on how intelligently they are structured. A new Circpack study shows which factors actually improve recycling rates in EU Member States and why transparency, data quality and targeted investments are crucial to achieving the PPWR targets.

With the new packaging law implementation act, the German Bundestag is providing important impulses for increased recycling and the use of recycled materials. Industry associations regard eco-modulation in particular as a major step forward but criticise unresolved issues regarding the implementation of the European Packaging Regulation and call for further improvements.

Europe is sending a strong signal in the effort to reduce its dependence on critical raw materials. With the approval of the first industrial recycling plant for recovering rare-earth elements from end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment, a landmark project for the European circular economy is taking shape in Italy. For producers and retailers, the message is clear: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and high-quality recycling are becoming increasingly important competitive factors in strengthening Europe’s security of supply – and that of its trading partners.

Millions of small electronic devices end up in household waste or disappear into drawers every year, with far-reaching consequences for recycling, product safety and the financing of waste management systems. On International E-Waste Day 2026, the WEEE Forum is drawing attention to this growing issue and making it clear that the pressure on manufacturers and retailers to take action is increasing.

The debate surrounding the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) continues. Following reports last week that German Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) intended to advocate postponing the application of key PPWR provisions, the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) has since distanced itself from those reports. Meanwhile, more than 120 companies and industry associations have issued a joint appeal to the European Commission, Parliament and Council, urging policymakers not to delay or reopen the regulation.

The German federal government has adopted a new Packaging Act that significantly tightens the rules for producers and retailers. Higher recycling targets, stricter material requirements and new financial incentives are intended to make packaging more recyclable. From 2028, a 75% recycling target will apply to plastic packaging, increasing to 80% from 2030. Companies that continue to use packaging that is difficult to recycle will face higher costs in the future. How are affected stakeholders responding?

The European Union is taking a tougher stance on trade with China. Low-cost imports driven by industrial overcapacity are placing increasing pressure on European producers, while dependence on Chinese raw materials and supply chains has become a growing geopolitical concern. While Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is often criticised as little more than regulatory red tape, it is increasingly being viewed as a strategic tool for strengthening the circular economy and improving Europe's resource resilience. Could Europe's ambitious EPR framework become part of the answer to China's growing industrial influence?