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.

Adjustments reflected in Cabinet decision

On 11 February 2026, the revised draft legislation was adopted by the Federal Cabinet.

In the course of discussions with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) and other relevant ministries, the aspects addressed by DPG were taken up. The adopted draft reflects these system-relevant requirements.

This creates an essential basis for the German deposit return system to be fundamentally maintained in its existing and proven structure.

The decentralised system architecture, the clearly defined roles of the participating stakeholders, and the established and reliable processes for return, collection and clearing are thereby preserved. This structure has been the foundation of the system’s performance and stability for many years.

Parliamentary legislative procedure initiated

Following the Cabinet decision, the formal parliamentary legislative process has been initiated in the German Bundestag. Amendments to the draft remain possible during the parliamentary deliberations.

Reliable contribution to the circular economy

For many years, the German deposit return system for one-way beverage packaging has achieved high return rates and enabled clean, high-quality material streams. These structural conditions are essential for keeping beverage packaging materials in closed material loops and for effectively supporting environmental and climate objectives.

The adopted draft provides a stable regulatory framework to ensure the continued contribution of the deposit return system – also in interaction with the new European requirements.

The current version of the draft legislation is available for download here:
Download Packaging Law Implementation Act – Cabinet decision of 11 February 2026  [1,1 MB, german]