About the ZSVR

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Why we're here

For the packaging recycling market to work effectively, financial interests have to be aligned. In other words, companies need to cover the costs of recycling their retail, grouped or shipment packaging. As the ZSVR, our task is to establish a level playing field and ensure that everybody is playing by the rules.

Who we are

As a supervisory authority, our job is to create a level playing field and ensure costs are fairly distributed, with the ultimate aim of reducing the environmental impact of packaging waste and ensuring that packaging recycling costs are covered.

What we do

We operate the LUCID Packaging Register, which makes producer responsibility visible. We reconcile packaging volumes. And we publish standards promoting recycling-friendly packaging design.

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Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) will introduce far-reaching changes for companies with obligations under packaging law. It will also create a harmonised legal framework for the European internal market. Our new website section provides an overview, key definitions and details on how the PPWR will be implemented in Germany. We will update this section regularly.


Manufacturer & producer Own brands & importsNational implementation

Did you know?

System participation – yes or no? The catalogue provides guidance

The ZSVR's catalogue helps companies classify their products' packaging – and shows if it is subject to system participation, i.e. whether they have to pay for recycling or not.

ZSVR court decisions: a growing section on our website

The section on our website dedicated to court decisions keeps growing. Ranging from shoe boxes and infusions bags to reusable shopping bags, these decisions provide clarity for users. In most cases, they also confirm the assessments made by the ZSVR. Companies are well advised to follow these decisions closely to avoid compliance breaches.

Not all packaging is the same – the type makes the difference

Retail, shipment or transport packaging? Different legal obligations apply depending on packaging type. Understanding the differences helps people meet their packaging law obligations and avoid breaches, providing legal certainty and strengthening compliance.

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