German environmental group criticizes packaging law, awards reuse innovations

Berlin, June 12, 2026 – Over 550 participants from politics, business, and civil society gathered for the fourth German Conference on Reusable Packaging (Deutsche Mehrwegkonferenz), co-hosted by Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) and the Foundation Initiative Reusable Packaging (Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg, SIM). The event underscored the growing interest and necessity of reusable packaging systems for resource independence and meeting EU waste reduction targets.

DUH strongly criticized the recently passed German implementation law for the EU Packaging Directive, stating it misses an opportunity to foster innovation in reusable packaging. The organization calls for coordinated and binding financial support for reusable systems, arguing that current legislation allows companies to choose voluntary measures without sufficient transparency or control.

The conference also presented the "Mehrweg-Innovationspreis" (Reusable Packaging Innovation Award). Dotch received an award for its manufacturer- and retailer-spanning glass reusable system for food packaging like oil and vinegar. Sykell was recognized for its AI-powered Circular ERP platform, designed to digitize and optimize packaging logistics. Plöckl Media Group was honored for its RFID-label tracking solution for reusable beverage crates, which significantly reduces transport and material consumption.

Organizers emphasized that solutions for advancing environmentally friendly reusable packaging are available. However, businesses require targeted initial funding to scale their innovations and achieve EU goals. The conference was opened by Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider and Berlin's Senator for Mobility, Transport, Climate Protection, and Environment, Ute Bonde, who highlighted the societal importance of reuse and the success of Berlin's pilot projects for simplified return systems.