Consultation on the 2025 edition of the minimum standard
The Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) has launched the consultation on the current draft of the minimum standard for assessing the recyclability performance of packaging pursuant to section 21 VerpackG (Packaging Act). The final version will be published on 29 August 2025, with a new structure and in agreement with the German Environment Agency (UBA).
The methodology used to evaluate the recyclability of a packaging unit remains unchanged. To assess what share of a packaging unit can find a second life in typical applications for that material, actual sorting and recovery practices are taken into consideration. To help companies prepare for the new requirements of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) at an early stage, the structure of the minimum standard was revised and now includes the future classification system from the PPWR. The minimum standard covers all packaging categories from the PPWR and presents the respective measurement requirements in Appendix 2. This makes it easier for users to find all the relevant information for their packaging format in one place. The new structure improves readability and significantly expands the scope of the minimum standard. Details about the new structure and application of the 2025 edition of the minimum standard are provided in an information sheet available for download at the bottom of this page.
As in previous years, the minimum standard was developed together with experts from across the value chain. This year, the Expert Committee on Recycling-friendly Design was expanded to include further experts – including from medium-sized companies, experts for specific material types, all system operators and the GS1 Forum Rezyklat.
Pursuant to section 21 VerpackG, the minimum standard is mainly intended for system operators. When modulating participation fees, they are required to create incentives for packaging design for recycling, taking into account actual sorting and recovery practices.
The 2025 edition of the minimum standard must be applied to packaging subject to system participation that is placed on the German market from 1 January 2026.
2025 consultation version
The minimum standard was first published on 1 September 2019. The version now available for consultation updates both the content and structure of the 2024 edition. It will become the 2025 edition once it is published on 29 August 2025.
Business reference
354301/01.MR.24#0001
Stakeholders
As the minimum standard concerns incentivising the recyclability of packaging subject to system participation through the modulation of participation fees, stakeholders include the systems, producers and operators of sector-specific solutions.
Participation
Written submissions on the current consultation can be submitted until Friday, 18 July 2025. The English version of the consultation draft will be available starting 26 June 2025. Please note that the English version is provided as a service. The German version is binding.
After the consultation, the minimum standard and the process for assessing recyclability performance will undergo another round of review and approval. The final version of the 2025 edition of the minimum standard will be available on the ZSVR website starting 29 August 2025.
