News

SMEs face more challenges than ever: new EU rules, rising compliance demands, global competition, cybersecurity, the circular economy and AI. The key question is: How can SMEs stay competitive without being overwhelmed by regulation?

The PPWR raises a key question for private-label products: is the retailer or supplier responsible for packaging compliance? The ZSVR currently sees the retailer as the producer, bringing significant documentation, liability and EPR obligations. Industry associations are calling for a clear, uniform interpretation, while companies should clarify packaging responsibilities early to avoid costly uncertainty.

From 1 July 2026, retailers and producers in Germany must take back end-of-life e-cigarettes free of charge, increasing responsibility for lithium batteries. With battery fires and poor recycling on the rise, calls for deposit schemes, stronger producer responsibility and even bans on disposable e-cigarettes are growing. The key question is now: will take-back schemes be enough, or will stricter measures follow?

JD.com’s planned takeover of a major European electronics retailer has passed German review with strict conditions. However, the European Commission is still checking whether Chinese subsidies could give JD.com an unfair advantage. The deal could change retail, supply chains and online shopping across Europe.

Temu, Shein and AliExpress now account for a record 5.3% of German online sales, growing much faster than the overall market. Low prices continue to attract shoppers, putting pressure on German retailers. To compete, local businesses will need to focus on quality, strong brands, service and trust.

Germany is preparing new textile rules that could make producers pay more for collection and recycling. With poor textile quality making recycling harder, companies will need to focus on durable, repairable and recyclable products. Early preparation could help businesses manage future costs and requirements.

The ZSVR’s (German Central Agency Packaging Register) 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.