Producer responsibility for packaging is increasingly at the centre of public and regulatory debate in Germany and the EU. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and the Central Agency for Packaging Registers (ZSVR) released a joint statement at their annual conference on 27 January 2026, evaluating the performance of Germany's recycling system.
In 2024, around 5.5 million tonnes of packaging waste were recycled through the dual systems. The overall recycling rate remained above 90 per cent, and recycling goals for paper, cardboard, paperboard, metals and plastics were impressively met. However, glass, beverage cartons and composite packaging once again fell short of their targets. Nevertheless, the collection of lightweight packaging rose by 1.5 per cent and recovery even by 2.1 per cent. At the same time, there was yet another decrease in the amount of glass collected.
Common misconceptions about recycling are highlighted
A key focus of the UBA and ZSVR press conference was on debunking everyday myths about plastic recycling. Contrary to the common assumption that Germany recycles very little plastic packaging, figures provided by the two organisations show that material-based plastic recycling has risen from 42 per cent to 70 per cent since 2018. This means that more than 70 per cent of plastic packaging covered by the system was sent for material recycling.
Furthermore, the contents of the yellow bags and bins are not primarily incinerated; in fact, more than half of the contents were recycled, say ZSVR and UBA. In 2024, the legally required recycling rate of 52.55 per cent exceeded the minimum threshold. State-of-the-art sorting facilities, such as screening machines, air separators, magnetic and eddy current separators, ballistic separators and near-infrared (NIR) sorters, efficiently sort packaging into up to 17 fractions and reliably identify incorrect items. However, these contaminants incur high costs, pose risks to people and machinery (e.g., from lithium-ion batteries) and distort the sorting results.
In addition to plastic recycling, waste glass was also discussed at the press conference. White, green and brown glass are separated during collection and gathered in special compartments; the process is always fully traceable and transparent. Nevertheless, the statutory recycling targets for glass have not been met since 2022; in 2024 alone, there was a shortfall of around 160,000 tonnes. Although container glass can be recycled as often as required, the ZSVR and UBA state that a decline is being caused by a shortage of container collection points and their unappealing locations.
Producers should contribute to achieving recycling targets
To more effectively achieve established recycling targets, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is implementing stricter requirements for all producers. Starting in 2030, all packaging must be recyclable, ensuring that at least 70 per cent can be reused. Material properties, design, colours, composite materials and labels are crucial for correct identification and machine sorting.
Research conducted by the Federal Environment Agency highlights opportunities to enhance packaging design and promote systematic waste separation, while also recommending streamlined administrative procedures for industry. A draft bill from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Protection, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety from November 2025 builds upon these results with the objective of maintaining current standards, promoting technological neutrality, and minimising administrative complexities. For the foreseeable future, however, designing recyclable packaging and joining corresponding programmes will continue to be the producers' responsibility.
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If you are interested in individual training courses on the EU Packaging Regulation, VERE e.V. recommends the PPWR training course from trade-e-bility. Please feel free to contact our colleagues at trade-e-bility directly on +49 40/750687-300 or send us an email.
