Consultation launched for the 2026 edition of the minimum standard for determining the recyclability of packaging
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The Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister (Central Agency Packaging Register – ZSVR) has launched the consultation for the 2026 edition of the minimum standard for determining the recyclability of packaging pursuant to section 21 VerpackG (Packaging Act).
The draft takes up the recommendations made by the Expert Committee comprising experts from across the value chain and contains content-related specifications compared to the previous year's version. When the PPWR begins applying on 12 August 2026, including its time horizon for accepting only recyclable packaging on the market by 2030, the different determination standards will become much more relevant for producers.
The final determination of recyclability will be in line with the provisions of the delegated act to be drafted by the EU Commission in accordance with Article 6 PPWR. However, section 26a VerpackDG (Packaging Law Implementation Act), which was recently adopted by the Bundestag, provides for the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) to issue delegated legislation setting out requirements for the ecological design of participation fees based on the minimum standard for determining the recyclability of packaging. This means that the minimum standard would be used to determine the recyclability of packaging for the time being.
The final version will be published on 31 August 2026.