16.06.2026 – The German Bundestag has adopted the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG). The new legislation implements the requirements of the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) in Germany and replaces the current Packaging Act with a new legal framework.
The aim of the new regulations is to reduce packaging waste, improve the recyclability of packaging, and further strengthen the circular economy. At the same time, proven structures in Germany are to be maintained while ensuring a practical implementation of European requirements.
Higher Requirements for Packaging
The European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and the new VerpackDG will introduce numerous new requirements for businesses. Key focus areas include:
• Prevention of packaging waste
• Promotion of recyclable packaging
• Increased recycling rates
• Greater use of recycled materials
• Reduction of unnecessary or oversized packaging
Recycling targets for plastic packaging will be further increased in the future. The objective is to keep more valuable materials within the circular economy and to conserve natural resources.
Eco-Modulation as a Future Incentive
As part of the legislative process, the framework has also been established to align participation fees more closely with environmental criteria in the future. Packaging with a high level of recyclability and a greater share of recycled content could benefit from lower fees. The specific details are expected to be defined in subsequent regulations.
For businesses, this means that recyclability and circularity should already be considered key factors when designing and selecting packaging solutions.
Taking Action Today
Current developments clearly show that sustainable and circular packaging design will become increasingly important in the years ahead. Companies that optimize their packaging at an early stage can prepare for upcoming regulatory requirements while gaining a competitive advantage.
EKO-PUNKT supports manufacturers, retailers, and distributors in successfully meeting both current and future packaging compliance requirements. With the new PPWR-compliant PackLab Pro, companies have access to a digital compliance and packaging management tool that simplifies the collection, analysis, and management of packaging data.
In addition, PackLab Pro enables comprehensive documentation of an entire packaging portfolio and provides the foundation for preparing the conformity declaration that will become mandatory under the PPWR. This allows companies to maintain full visibility of their packaging data, reduce administrative effort, and establish the prerequisites for compliance with future regulatory requirements at an early stage.
Try PackLab Pro free of charge now
About EKO-PUNKT
EKO-PUNKT, REMONDIS' dual system provider, already supports companies in the practical implementation of PPWR requirements. In addition to system participation in Germany (packaging licensing), our services include testing the recyclability of packaging, advising on design for recycling, clarifying EPR roles and obligations, including international execution, and providing support with documentation and preparation for the upcoming delegated acts.
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Autor
EKO-PUNKT GmbH & Co. KG
Vanessa Herzog
Waltherstr. 49-51
51069 Köln
T +49 221 964897-62
M +49 160 6184350
vanessa.herzog@eko-punkt.de
Source: https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2026/kw24-de-verpackungsrecht-1183826
Image credit: Copyright (C) Andrey Popov - stock.adobe.com