German environmental group criticizes new packaging law
The German Environmental Aid (DUH) organization has criticized the new German Packaging Act, stating it prioritizes recycling of single-use packaging over promoting reusable alternatives. The law aims to implement EU directives.
Berlin – The German Environmental Aid (DUH) organization has criticized the German Bundestag's Environment Committee's draft of a new packaging law, intended to implement EU regulations. The Bundestag is expected to pass the law soon. DUH argues that the legislation is a missed opportunity to create binding and ambitious financial incentives for waste-avoiding reusable packaging.
DUH's Federal Managing Director, Barbara Metz, stated that it is "catastrophic for environmental protection" that no majority supported ambitious financial promotion of reusable packaging. She argued that while manufacturers should be incentivized to use recyclable packaging with recycled content, this is insufficient without effective promotion of reusable systems.
Metz emphasized that waste prevention and reuse are prioritized over recycling in the circular economy law. She warned that without consistent promotion, the existing packaging law target of 70 percent reusable beverage packaging will remain mere symbolism.
DUH urges members of the Bundestag to ensure that a binding and ambitious mechanism for promoting reusable packaging, funded by license fees for single-use packaging, is incorporated during the upcoming plenary vote. The organization hopes the law will ultimately drive consumption towards more sustainable packaging solutions.