31 August 2026 – The German Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR), in agreement with the German Environment Agency (UBA), published the new Minimum Standard for Determining the Recyclability of Packaging Subject to System Participation on 31 August 2026. The 2026 edition continues the existing methodology, further specifies numerous assessment criteria and aligns additional terminology with the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which has applied since 12 August 2026.
The Minimum Standard enables companies to determine the recyclability of their packaging subject to system participation on the German market as a specific percentage. The calculation is based on the proportion by weight of a packaging item that is actually available for recycling, taking into account design-related losses of recyclable material.
The Minimum Standard published on 31 August 2026 is intended to be applied to the assessment of packaging placed on the market in the calendar year following its publication – i.e. 2027.
The methodology remains – the details become more precise
The fundamental assessment methodology remains unchanged. First, the respective assessment object is defined and assigned to a packaging category. The materials used and design parameters are then evaluated according to their relevance to the recycling process.
The Minimum Standard distinguishes between:
- recyclable materials,
- incompatibilities,
- separable or conditionally compatible design parameters, and
- design parameters requiring testing.
Recyclability is calculated based on the recyclable material content available for recycling, less design-related losses of recyclable material, in relation to the total weight of the assessment object.
The 0% rule remains particularly relevant: If a design parameter is classified as an incompatibility, the recyclability of the respective assessment object is 0%.
Recycling infrastructure also remains a key criterion. For certain packaging categories, separate evidence is required in order to demonstrate recyclability of more than 0%.
What is changing with the Minimum Standard 2026?
The ZSVR has summarised the most important changes in an accompanying document. The following points are particularly relevant:
Adaptation of the definition of composite packaging to the PPWR
With the application of the PPWR, the definition of composite packaging in the Minimum Standard has also been adapted.
New classification system for fibre-based packaging
The general term “fibre-based packaging” is no longer used. Instead, a consistent distinction is made between:
- paper, paperboard and cardboard packaging excluding composite packaging,
- liquid packaging board, and
- composite packaging predominantly made of paper, paperboard and cardboard, excluding liquid packaging board.
Clarifications for glass
The assessment of translucency for coated or coloured glass has been specified in greater detail. Instead of relying solely on a degree of transmission, a technically defined reference glass sample is now used as the benchmark.
Fibre components listed directly in the annexes
The individual components of fibre material are now listed directly in the relevant tables of the Minimum Standard. This is intended to simplify practical application.
Packaging attributes have been added, differentiated and partially consolidated
The annexes have been revised in several areas. New packaging attributes have been added, existing attributes have been differentiated in greater detail and attributes have been consolidated where different designs result in the same assessment outcome.
Changed classification of certain incompatibilities
Certain packaging attributes – in particular polymer dispersion coatings and hot-melt adhesive applications – are no longer generally classified as recycling incompatibilities. Instead, mandatory testing is required. However, without a successful test, this does not automatically result in a more favourable assessment.
The assessment object remains crucial
For the practical assessment, it remains essential to determine which packaging components are to be assessed together and which must be assessed separately. As a general rule, the empty packaging is assessed as a whole, including integrated components such as closures, labels, sealing films or adhesive applications.
However, certain packaging components must be assessed separately, for example if they necessarily have to be removed for use or occur as separate, non-attached components. The results for these individual assessment objects apply independently and are not combined into a weighted overall result.
Minimum Standard gains further importance through the PPWR and VerpackDG
Under the German Packaging Law Implementation Act (Verpackungsrecht-Durchführungsgesetz – VerpackDG), the Minimum Standard plays a central role in the ecological design of system participation fees. The assessment results can also be used to make packaging more recycling-friendly at an early stage and to identify potential for optimisation.
At the same time, recyclability is becoming increasingly important in light of the PPWR. From 2030, packaging may generally only be placed on the market if it meets the future European requirements for recyclability. However, the relevant European calculation and assessment methodologies will still be specified in further legal acts.
About EKO-PUNKT
EKO-PUNKT, the dual system of REMONDIS, supports companies in implementing key circular economy and packaging compliance requirements. In this context, the assessment of recyclability is becoming increasingly important in view of the PPWR, the VerpackDG and the new Minimum Standard.
With the innovative PackLab Pro, companies have access to a digital compliance and packaging management tool that supports them in recording and managing their packaging data, assessing recyclability and maintaining comprehensive documentation through to the preparation of the Declaration of Conformity. PackLab Pro will be updated to the new Minimum Standard 2026 as soon as possible.
Try PackLab Pro free of charge now
In addition, EKO-PUNKT supports companies in developing circular packaging solutions through consulting services covering ecodesign, packaging optimisation and resource efficiency. EKO-PUNKT also provides practical support for the use of recycled plastics – from sourcing suitable recyclates to integrating recycled materials into existing packaging solutions. This enables companies to meet regulatory requirements, achieve their sustainability targets and strengthen their competitiveness at the same time.
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Downloads
- Minimum Standard 2026 (DE)
Minimum Standard for Determining the Recyclability of Packaging Subject to System Participation pursuant to Section 26 (3) VerpackDG – edition dated 31 August 2026 - The Most Important Changes to the Minimum Standard 2026 – Background and Explanations (DE)
Accompanying document by the ZSVR explaining the key changes introduced in the 2026 edition. - Practical Guidance on Applying the Minimum Standard (DE)
Supplementary practical guidance on applying the Minimum Standard. Please note: This guidance relates to the 2025 edition and therefore still refers to the legal basis under Section 21 (3) of the German Packaging Act (VerpackG).
Author
EKO-PUNKT GmbH & Co. KG
Vanessa Herzog
Waltherstr. 49-51
51069 Cologne
T +49 221 964897-62
M +49 160 6184350
vanessa.herzog@eko-punkt.de
Source: https://www.verpackungsregister.org/stiftung-und-behoerde/mindeststandard#c485
Image credits: German Central Agency Packaging Register logo; packaging image AI-generated using OpenAI.