New German packaging law backs reuse systems and funding model

Core Viewpoint - Germany is revising its national packaging law to promote reusable packaging and align with the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, marking a significant shift towards a circular economy [1][4]. Group 1: Draft Law and Funding Model - The draft of the Packaging Law Implementation Act introduces a financing model to enhance reusable packaging infrastructure, requiring companies using single-use packaging to contribute to a central fund for reuse system development [2][4]. - This approach aims to internalize the environmental costs of single-use items and incentivize the transition to reusable solutions [3][6]. Group 2: Reuse Targets and Industry Response - The Mehrweg-Allianz coalition supports the draft's goal of maintaining a 70% reuse target for beverage packaging, which is a long-standing benchmark in Germany [3][4]. - Industry stakeholders emphasize the need for clear rules to ensure that funding contributions are solely from single-use packaging companies, not those already using reusable systems [4][6]. Group 3: Governance and Stakeholder Involvement - Effective governance is deemed essential for the new reuse funding model to operate efficiently and support the practical deployment of reusable systems [6][7]. - Environmental groups advocate for greater involvement of industry representatives and civil society in setting funding priorities to balance economic and environmental goals [7].