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The Packaging Act, also known as VerpackG, plays a central role in the beverage industry. It regulates how packaging is used and disposed of. And it helps protect the environment and promote fair competition.
SCHÄFER Container Systems KEG supports manufacturers and retailers with high-quality reusable KEGs that are legally compliant and sustainable.
The VerpackG was introduced to reduce waste, protect the environment and ensure fair competition. It replaced the previous Packaging Ordinance on 1 January 2019.
The main objectives are waste prevention, reuse and recycling, and resource conservation. Manufacturers are obliged to take responsibility for their packaging.
The Packaging Act defines a number of key terms. Packaging refers to all products that contain, protect, handle, deliver and present goods. Manufacturers and distributors are companies that place packaging on the market for the first time.
The system participation obligation requires these companies to participate in a dual system. They must license their shipping packaging that is subject to the system participation obligation.
Manufacturers and distributors must register with the LUCID packaging register before placing their packaging on the market. They are obliged to participate in a dual system. This is to ensure the comprehensive collection and recycling of packaging.
All packaging must be clearly labelled to facilitate separation and recycling. Electronic marketplaces and fulfilment service providers may only offer registered packaging subject to system participation for sale or offer their services to registered companies.
Since the beginning of 2022, all single-use plastic beverage bottles and beverage cans have been subject to a deposit. A transition period applies until 2024 for plastic bottles containing milk drinks. From January 2025, single-use PET bottles must contain at least 25 percent recycled plastic. This proportion will increase to 30 percent from 2030.
These measures are intended to ensure that valuable resources remain in the cycle and the environment is less polluted. Previous deposit obligations include single-use beverage bottles for beer, mineral water, soft drinks and mixed drinks. There are exceptions for certain products such as milk and wine.
Reusable packaging offers many advantages over single-use packaging. It is more sustainable because it can be used multiple times, thus generating less waste.
SCHÄFER Container Systems KEG offers high-quality reusable KEGs made of stainless steel. These have a long service life and preserve the quality of the beverages.
Our solutions include:
To meet the requirements of the Packaging Act, beverage manufacturers should take the following steps:
SCHÄFER Container Systems KEG is here to support you. With our customised reusable KEG solutions and comprehensive range of services, we help you meet these requirements.
Our offering includes:
In addition to promoting reusable packaging, the Packaging Act also includes measures to prevent packaging waste and conserve resources. These include EU-wide bans on single-use plastics and export restrictions on plastic waste that is difficult to recycle.
The comprehensive collection and recycling of packaging waste is carried out via dual systems that must comply with strict recycling quotas. Since 2013, the waste prevention programme of the federal and state governments has been supporting these goals.
The Packaging Act affects not only manufacturers of liquid foods, but also delivery services and restaurants. Since 2023, caterers, delivery services and restaurants have been required to offer reusable containers for takeaway food and beverages in addition to single-use containers.
There are exceptions for smaller businesses. These allow them to fill their customers' own containers with food and beverages. This is intended to reduce the amount of packaging waste in the catering sector and relieve the burden on the environment.
The Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) maintains the LUCID packaging register and decides on the obligation to participate in the system. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) monitors compliance with the legal requirements as the legal and technical supervisory authority.
Companies receive comprehensive information and support from the ZSVR and the UBA to help them meet their obligations. These bodies are also responsible for investigating and punishing administrative offences.
The Packaging Act places high demands on manufacturers and distributors of packaging. However, it also offers many opportunities for sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.
SCHÄFER Container Systems KEG supports you with high-quality reusable stainless steel KEGs and tailor-made services. This enables you to meet the strict requirements of the Packaging Act while ensuring the quality of your beverages.
Please contact us for further information about our products and services.
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The Packaging Act is a law that regulates waste prevention and recycling of packaging. It obliges manufacturers and distributors to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their packaging.
All manufacturers and distributors who place packaging subject to system participation on the market must register in the LUCID packaging register. This also applies to importers of packaging.
Companies that fail to comply with their registration obligation risk fines and legal consequences. In addition, they may not continue to place their packaging on the market until they have registered.
