Useful Information
Following consultations: Draft of German Packaging Law reflects key system requirements
As part of the consultation process that has been ongoing since November 2025, DPG pointed out that targeted adjustments to the draft of German Packaging Law Implementation Act (Verpackungsrechts-Durchführungsgesetz, VerpackDG) were necessary in order to ensure that the proven structures of the German deposit return system (DRS) for one-way beverage packaging can be maintained in a stable manner in alignment with the new European regulatory framework.
DPG has closely accompanied the consultation process and actively contributed its system-specific expertise.
Protecting the German deposit system: amendments to the draft Packaging Implementation Act necessary
For almost 20 years now, the German deposit system for one-way beverage packaging has been one of the most efficient deposit and return systems in Europe. With around 20 billion packaging items collected annually and a return rate of over 98 per cent, it is a mainstay of the German circular economy. The new EU Packaging Ordinance (PPWR) confirms the importance of such established systems and explicitly contains grandfathering provisions.
This makes it all the more important that national implementation regulations support the full maintenance of the German deposit system.
Implementing EU requirements at national level
As has been expected, on December 16, 2024, the European Council officially adopted the version of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) that had previously been approved by the European Parliament in April. The new 71 articles of the regulation set ambitious reuse targets, tighten the requirements for single-use packaging and oblige market players to reduce packaging to the necessary minimum.
Preliminary agreement on key compromises for a European Packaging Regulation
The plans for a Europe-wide mandatory deposit went one step ahead – what is the current state?
After more than four years of intensive discussions, the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have agreed on a provisional version of a new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in the trilogue procedure.
Like many other market and system participants, the DPG was involved in the preparation of the specifications with proposals.
Draft of the new EU Packaging Regulation in trilogue
The plans for introducing a Europe-wide mandatory deposit are in the European trilogue process - what does this mean?
The much-discussed European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which among other things includes a mandatory deposit throughout Europe for one-way beverage packaging, has reached a decisive coordination phase - the so-called trilogue.
PPWR – Where do we stand?
Cornerstones of the new EU packaging regulation defined
At their plenary session on November 22, 2023, the 705 members of the European Parliament (EP) voted on the European Commission's draft of the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) within the first reading. The PPWR’s aim is to realign the principles for handling and disposing of packaging in the member states of the European Union. After a decision by the Council in decembre 2023, the trilogue is expected to follow, which should then be completed in February 2024.