Verpackungsvorbereitung

Verpackungsverordnung, commonly referred to as VerpackV, is a German regulation that implements the European Union’s packaging and packaging waste directive (94/62/EC). It establishes producer responsibility for packaging throughout its life cycle, with aims to minimize environmental impact, promote recyclability, and ensure proper collection and disposal of packaging waste. The regulation applies to manufacturers, importers, and distributors who place packaged goods on the German market and covers various packaging forms including sales packaging and service packaging.

Historically, the VerpackV was introduced to align Germany with EU waste targets and to foster a system for returning and recycling packaging. In 2019, Germany replaced the VerpackV with the Verpackungsgesetz (Packaging Act), which modernized and strengthened the framework. The new law created a central packaging register managed by the Stiftung Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR) and codified mandatory licensing to a system operator, such as the Duales System Deutschland (DSD) or alternative systems. Producers must register their packaging, declare volumes, and ensure participation in a take-back and recycling scheme. The act also emphasizes design for recyclability and imposes penalties for non-compliance.

Impact and overview: The VerpackV and its successor regulate the economic responsibilities of producers, influence packaging design, and shape recycling and waste management practices in Germany. While the framework supports higher recycling rates and waste reduction, it also entails administrative requirements and costs for businesses. The system remains part of Germany’s broader approach to packaging sustainability and, by extension, to the European Union’s goals for packaging waste reduction.