Everything you need to know about the legal situation regarding packaging licensing.
Licensing Packaging - Important and Sustainable
The licensing of packaging—officially referred to as participation in a dual system—concerns everyone involved in bringing packaged goods into circulation and to the end consumer. This includes industry and trade in various forms. Snack bars and retail companies must license their service packaging just as online retailers must license their shipping packaging, and product manufacturers must license their sales packaging. The licensing fees paid ensure that the dual systems work to keep used packaging materials in circulation for as long as possible, thereby preserving these valuable resources. Additionally, the aim is to reduce the circulation of poorly recyclable packaging overall. Therefore, the obligation to participate in packaging licensing is a positive initiative that contributes to climate and resource protection.
Everything done in three simple steps: Here's how the the Dual System EKO-PUNKT works.
For Large-Scale Customers: Why the Statement of Completeness matters.
Everything you need to know – in detail: Special features and further information
Whether it's shipping packaging for office supplies or hygiene packaging for food – anything that ends up with the end consumer must be licensed.
EKO-PUNKT – REMONDIS’ Dual System
The Smart Solution for Your Packaging Compliance
EKO-PUNKT is a Dual System that offers you numerous advantages for packaging licensing compared to other providers. The greatest and most important of these: EKO-PUNKT is backed by REMONDIS – Germany’s leading circular economy company. With us, you’re working directly with true experts in packaging recycling and raw material recovery. We’ve been collecting, sorting, and recycling valuable materials for decades – and on a scale that’s hard to match. You won’t find more expertise anywhere else.
Million tonnes of raw materials processed annually by REMONDIS
Production and Recycling Facilities Operated by the REMONDIS Group
Years of Experience in the Recycling Industry
How You Benefit – In Detail
Industry Experience
Few know more about packaging licensing and recycling than we do-and that’s exactly why we provide you with complete support services.
Legal Compliance
Of course, we always stay up to date with the latest changes to the Packaging Act - and we make sure you remain fully compliant at all times. Now and in future times.
Fair Market Prices
Despite offering numerous added values, EKO-PUNKT remains competitively priced – in line with other dual systems. This is the result of scaling effects and synergies within the REMONDIS Group.
Long-Term Security
No matter what challenges the market of dual systems may face: EKO-PUNKT remains. This ensures you maximum future-security for your packaging licensing.
Value-Added Services
As a Packaging Competence Center, we offer a wide range of services beyond licensing-from the supply of recyclates to sustainable packaging design.
Carbon Footprint Reduction Report:
As part of your licensing with the Dual System EKO-PUNKT, we will provide you with a certificate documentary in detail the CO2 savings you have achieved.
“We are quite proud that so many mid-sized companies choose EKO-PUNKT as their partner. This is a true sign of genuine trust in the family-owned group REMONDIS.”
Dennis Bauer, Expert in Dual Systems and Licensing.“
EKO-PUNKT Dual System – How It Works
Register with the ZSVR first, then license with EKO-PUNKT
The first step towards packaging licensing is registration with the Central Packaging Register (ZSVR).
The ZSVR acts as the main supervisory authority for participation in the Dual System. You will also be required to report the volume of your licensed packaging there later on.
Our tip: If you haven't done so yet, create your ZSVR account now and switch to the ZSVR's LUCID portal to complete your registration.
Afterward, you can continue right here with our EASY-LIZE licensing calculator.
Alternatively, if you are a larger trading company, feel free to contact us directly to receive a customized offer.
Details on the Declaration of Completeness under Packaging Law
If certain material volume thresholds are exceeded, a Declaration of Completeness must be submitted.
In this case, online packaging licensing via EASYLIZE would only be a secondary option, as we would prefer to provide you with a customized offer.
Please send us your inquiry using the online form. We will get in touch with you promptly to develop the ideal offer tailored to your needs.
Additionally, you are welcome to contact us by phone to initiate the consultation process: T +49 221 964897-72
Material Volume Limits Requiring a Declaration of Completeness
Glass Packaging
Paper, Cardboard and Carton Packaging
Lightweight Packaging (ferrous metals, aluminium, plastics, beverage cartons, composite materials)
FAQ Dual Systems Germany
What are Dual Systems in Germany?
In Germany, Dual Systems organize the collection, sorting and recycling of used sales packaging that typically becomes waste at private households. This includes packaging made of plastic, paper, cardboard, glass and metal.
The system is based on the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Companies that place packaged goods on the German market for the first time are required to contribute to the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling the packaging they introduce. This obligation is fulfilled through participation in a Dual System.
Dual Systems finance well-known collection schemes such as the Yellow Bag (Gelber Sack), the Yellow Bin (Gelbe Tonne) and other collection and recycling infrastructures. Their objective is to keep valuable raw materials in circulation, promote recycling and conserve natural resources.
As an approved Dual System, EKO-PUNKT is part of this nationwide framework and supports companies in fulfilling their legal obligations regarding system participation and packaging licensing.
The market for Dual Systems in Germany is privately organized and based on competition. Several approved providers compete in the market, one of which is EKO-PUNKT, a member of the REMONDIS Group.
What makes EKO-PUNKT different from other Dual Systems?
EKO-PUNKT is the Dual System of REMONDIS, one of the world's leading companies in recycling, circular economy solutions and resource management. This gives customers the benefit of the stability, experience and innovative strength of an internationally established group of companies.
In addition to providing the legally required system participation services, EKO-PUNKT supports companies throughout the entire packaging lifecycle. Services include packaging compliance consulting, international EPR requirements, recyclability assessments, recycled material supply and support in preparing for new regulatory requirements such as the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
As a packaging competence center, EKO-PUNKT combines practical consulting with extensive expertise in recycling and circular economy solutions. This enables companies not only to comply with current legal obligations, but also to develop future-proof packaging strategies.
By choosing EKO-PUNKT, companies gain an experienced partner offering packaging licensing, sustainability and compliance services from a single source.
As part of the REMONDIS Group, EKO-PUNKT is backed by the scale and expertise of one of the world's largest circular economy companies. For customers, this means maximum reliability, high-quality service and long-term security. The German Dual System market is highly competitive, with more than ten approved providers currently operating. EKO-PUNKT's strong market position, financial stability and connection to a globally active recycling company make it a reliable partner for the long term.
Who is required to participate in a Dual System?
In principle, all companies that place packaged goods on the German market for the first time and use packaging that typically becomes waste at private households are required to participate in a Dual System.
This obligation applies to a wide range of businesses, including manufacturers, importers, online retailers and distributors. The decisive factor is whether the company is considered the first entity to place the packaged product on the German market and whether the packaging is subject to system participation requirements under German packaging legislation.
Participation in a Dual System ensures that the collection, sorting and recycling of the packaging is financed in accordance with the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Companies subject to these requirements must also register with the German Packaging Register LUCID and report their packaging quantities accordingly.
Can I choose my Dual System freely?
Yes. Companies are free to choose which approved Dual System they would like to work with. All Dual Systems fulfil the legal obligation of organizing the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging subject to system participation requirements.
However, differences often exist in terms of service quality, consulting expertise, digital processes and additional support services. With new requirements such as the PPWR, international EPR obligations and increasing compliance demands, professional guidance and packaging expertise are becoming more important than ever.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), EKO-PUNKT offers EASY-LIZE, a simple and digital solution for packaging licensing. Through the online portal, packaging volumes can be calculated and licensed quickly and conveniently. For larger packaging volumes, please feel free to contact us for an individual quote.
As the Dual System of REMONDIS, EKO-PUNKT combines the stability and expertise of one of the world's leading circular economy companies with dedicated customer support and practical solutions. Businesses benefit from comprehensive assistance covering packaging licensing, packaging compliance, international EPR requirements, recyclability assessments and sustainable packaging strategies – all from a single source.
What role do Dual Systems play in the circular economy?
Dual Systems play a key role in Germany's circular economy by ensuring that used packaging is collected, sorted and recycled after consumption. Through their activities, valuable raw materials such as plastics, paper, glass and metals can be recovered and reintroduced into production cycles.
Under the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), companies contribute financially to the collection and recycling of the packaging they place on the market. Dual Systems use these contributions to organize and finance nationwide collection, sorting and recycling infrastructures.
By keeping materials in circulation for as long as possible, Dual Systems help reduce waste, conserve natural resources and lower the demand for virgin raw materials. They therefore make an important contribution to achieving both national and European sustainability and recycling targets.
What impact will the PPWR have on Dual Systems?
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) primarily introduces new requirements for packaging itself. These include rules on recyclability, recycled content, packaging minimization, labelling and documentation.
While the PPWR does not fundamentally change the role of Dual Systems, it is expected to increase the importance of packaging compliance and data management. Companies will need to ensure that their packaging meets the new European requirements and can provide the necessary documentation and evidence of compliance.
Dual Systems will continue to play a central role in financing and supporting the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste. At the same time, they are expected to become increasingly important partners for companies seeking guidance on recyclability, packaging optimization and compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
As packaging legislation continues to evolve, businesses will benefit from working with experienced partners such as EKO-PUNKT to navigate both current obligations and future PPWR requirements.
How do I choose the right Dual System for my business?
In principle, all approved Dual Systems fulfil the legal obligation of organizing the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging subject to system participation requirements. However, differences often exist in terms of service quality, consulting expertise, digital processes and additional support services.
When selecting a Dual System, companies should pay particular attention to the following criteria:
- Transparent and easy-to-understand pricing structures
- Individual contracts for large companies and digital online solutions for SMEs
- Dedicated contact persons and expert advice
- Support with LUCID registration, volume reporting and packaging compliance
- Additional services related to EPR, international compliance and PPWR requirements
- Long-term stability, reliability and market experience
For many companies, the licensing fee alone is no longer the decisive factor. Especially in light of new requirements introduced by the PPWR, professional consulting, compliance support and packaging expertise are becoming increasingly important.
EKO-PUNKT offers businesses far more than packaging licensing alone. From system participation and packaging compliance to international EPR requirements, recyclability assessments, recycled content strategies and guidance on the new PPWR requirements, we provide all essential services for a future-proof packaging strategy from a single source.
What is the difference between LUCID and a Dual System?
LUCID is the public packaging register operated by the Central Agency Packaging Register “Zentralen Stelle Verpackungsregister (ZSVR)”. Companies that place packaging subject to system participation requirements on the German market must register with LUCID and report their packaging volumes.
A Dual System such as EKO-PUNKT, on the other hand, organizes and finances the actual collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste. By participating in a Dual System, companies fulfil their legal system participation obligations.
It is important to note that the packaging volumes reported in LUCID must match the volumes licensed with a Dual System. The ZSVR regularly compares the reported data. Any discrepancies may indicate incorrect reporting or missing packaging licensing obligations. In such cases, the reported data must be corrected and, where necessary, additional packaging volumes must be licensed retrospectively.
In simple terms:
- LUCID is used for registration and regulatory oversight.
- A Dual System organizes the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging.
- Both obligations must be fulfilled to comply with German packaging legislation.
FAQ on System Participation and Packaging Licensing
What does system participation mean and how does it differ from packaging licensing?
The terms system participation and packaging licensing are often used interchangeably. In fact, system participation refers to the legal obligation of companies to contribute to the costs of collecting, sorting and recycling the packaging they place on the market.
Packaging licensing is the practical way of fulfilling this obligation. Companies enter into an agreement with an approved Dual System such as EKO-PUNKT and report the volumes of packaging subject to system participation requirements. By paying the corresponding licensing fees, they fulfil their legal system participation obligations.
In simple terms:
- System participation is the legal obligation.
- Packaging licensing is the process used to fulfil that obligation.
Companies that place packaging subject to system participation requirements on the German market for the first time must ensure both registration with the LUCID Packaging Register and participation in a Dual System. Only by fulfilling both requirements can they comply with the obligations set out in the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) and, in the future, the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG).
Which types of packaging are subject to system participation requirements?
Packaging subject to system participation requirements includes, in particular, sales packaging, shipping packaging and service packaging that typically become waste at private households after use.
Examples include product packaging, e-commerce shipping boxes, mailing bags, filling materials, carrier bags, takeaway packaging and disposable cups. The decisive factor is not the type of packaging itself, but whether it is likely to end up as waste with the private end consumer or a comparable source of waste generation.
Companies that place such packaging on the German market for the first time are generally required to register with the LUCID Packaging Register and participate in an approved Dual System. Through system participation, they contribute to financing the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste in accordance with the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
As packaging obligations can vary depending on the specific packaging type, distribution channel and business model, companies should carefully assess their packaging portfolio to ensure full compliance with German packaging legislation.
How much does participation in a Dual System cost?
The cost of participating in a Dual System depends on the material type, weight and quantity of packaging placed on the German market. For example, plastic packaging is subject to different licensing fees than packaging made of paper, cardboard, glass or metal.
These licensing fees finance the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste. By participating in a Dual System, companies fulfil their legal system participation obligations while also contributing to the circular economy.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), costs can be calculated quickly and easily using the EASY-LIZE licensing calculator. Simply enter your packaging volumes to receive an instant price overview and license your packaging online.
Companies with larger packaging volumes or specific requirements are welcome to contact us for a personalized consultation and a tailored quotation. Contact us today.
What happens if I do not license my packaging?
Failure to comply with system participation requirements can result in significant legal and financial consequences. Companies that place packaging subject to system participation requirements on the German market without proper licensing are in breach of German packaging legislation.
Possible consequences include:
- Fines imposed by the competent authorities
- Sales bans for non-compliant products
- Public listing of non-compliance in the LUCID Packaging Register
- Claims from competitors under unfair competition law
- Retroactive licensing obligations for previously unreported packaging volumes
The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) regularly compares data reported in LUCID with the packaging volumes licensed through Dual Systems. Any discrepancies can be identified during these checks and may trigger further investigations or enforcement measures.
To avoid penalties and ensure full compliance, companies should register with LUCID, correctly report their packaging volumes and participate in an approved Dual System such as EKO-PUNKT before placing packaged goods on the German market.
Do I need to register with LUCID in addition to participating in a Dual System?
Yes. Registration with LUCID and participation in a Dual System are two separate legal obligations and both requirements must be fulfilled.
Registration takes place through the LUCID Packaging Register, which is operated by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR). Companies must provide their company details and report the packaging volumes they place on the German market.
Participation in a Dual System, on the other hand, is carried out through an approved provider such as EKO-PUNKT. Only by participating in a Dual System do companies contribute to financing the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste.
It is important that the packaging volumes reported in LUCID match the volumes licensed with a Dual System. The ZSVR regularly compares this data to verify compliance with legal requirements.
Only companies that are both registered with LUCID and properly participate in a Dual System fulfil the requirements of the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) and, in the future, the Packaging Law Implementation Act (VerpackDG).
Does the system participation obligation also apply to online retailers?
Yes. Online retailers and e-commerce businesses are also subject to system participation requirements if they are the first to place packaging subject to system participation obligations on the German market.
This particularly applies to shipping packaging such as boxes, mailing bags, filling materials, adhesive tapes and other packaging components that typically become waste at private households. It does not matter whether the products are sold through a company's own online shop or via online marketplaces.
Online retailers must license their packaging through an approved Dual System such as EKO-PUNKT and register with the LUCID Packaging Register. Both obligations must be fulfilled before placing packaged goods on the German market.
Failure to comply may result in fines, sales bans and other legal consequences. Companies operating in e-commerce should therefore carefully assess their packaging obligations and ensure compliance with all applicable requirements.
How can I determine whether my packaging is subject to system participation requirements?
Whether packaging is subject to system participation requirements does not depend solely on the type of packaging. The key factor is whether the packaging typically becomes waste at private households or comparable sources of waste generation.
Packaging subject to system participation requirements generally includes sales packaging, shipping packaging and service packaging that are filled with goods and placed on the German market for the first time. Examples include product packaging, shipping boxes, filling materials, mailing bags and takeaway packaging.
In some cases, the assessment can be complex, particularly for B2B packaging, reusable packaging systems or packaging distributed through different sales channels. Companies should therefore carefully evaluate their packaging portfolio to determine their legal obligations correctly.
EKO-PUNKT is happy to support businesses in assessing their packaging and determining whether system participation requirements apply. This helps companies avoid legal risks and ensure full compliance with packaging regulations.
Use our online check to find out right away whether your packaging is subject to the recycling program.
Do importers have to license their packaging?
Yes. Importers are required to license their packaging if they are considered the first entity to place packaged goods on the German market.
This is typically the case when packaged products are imported into Germany from abroad and made available on the German market for the first time. In such situations, the importer assumes responsibility for complying with the applicable packaging regulations.
These obligations include, among others:
- Registration with the LUCID Packaging Register
- Participation in an approved Dual System such as EKO-PUNKT
- Correct reporting of packaging volumes
- Compliance with further Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements
Importers should carefully assess their responsibilities, as non-compliance with packaging regulations may result in fines, sales bans or retroactive licensing obligations. In international supply chains in particular, it is important to determine at an early stage who is considered the first placer on the market and which obligations apply.
Get personal advice on your system participation requirements and discover EKO-PUNKT’s tailored services. Feel Free to Contact Us