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On 29 August 2024, the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) published the new minimum standard for measuring the recyclability of packaging in Germany.
Background: On 1 September 2019, the minimum standard for measuring the recyclability of packaging was published by the ZSVR foundation for the first time. Since then, it has been an important tool for measuring the recyclable design of packaging. The content of the German minimum standard is revised annually. The consultation process for the draft of the new version took place in June/July. RecycleMe had provided information about the planned changes.
The changes to the minimum standard affect all manufacturing companies that bring packaging into circulation that is subject to system participation.
All changes from the consultation process have been adopted
Almost all of the changes discussed in the consultation process were adopted.
The most important changes in terms of content are summarised below:
New validity
- The new version of the minimum standard for assessing recyclability is valid for the first time only from the following calendar year and not, as usual, from 1 September. In this case, the minimum standard 2024 is valid from 01.01.2025.
- Background: Alignment with the usual period of system participation contracts
Revised assessment of liquid packaging board (FKN)
- When assessing the recyclability of liquid packaging board, primarily the cardboard content (pulp) of the composite board has been taken into account so far. For the other components of the packaging – plastic and possibly aluminium – an individual proof of high-quality recycling was necessary. With the new version, this individual proof is no longer mandatory, but is still recommended.
- Background: Recycling capacities for residual materials from the recycling of FKN (such as plastics and aluminium) have increased significantly. In the meantime, considerably more plastic and aluminium components of FKNs are being recycled in a high-quality manner. This includes plants such as PAluRec.
Flexible PE films – size criterion no longer applies
- In the minimum standard 2023, PE films are categorised according to size: smaller or larger than A4. This distinction will be removed in the new version. The listed recycling incompatibilities now apply to all PE films, regardless of size. This also means that the recycling incompatibility ‘Nitrocellulose (NC)-based printing inks in interlayer printing’ applies to all PE films (previously only to PE films > DIN A4). Anyone who uses NC-based printing inks in interlayer printing for their PE film should have the recyclability of their packaging checked and find out about alternatives.
- Background (size criterion): sorting plants for light packaging (including films) are increasingly able to sort and recycle small-format PE film packaging.
- Background (NC-based printing inks): NC-based printing inks used in interleaf printing can have a negative impact on the quality of the recyclate (colour changes, unpleasant odours and respiratory irritants).
Outlook: approximation of the minimum standard to the EU Packaging Regulation PPWR
For the coming minimum standard 2025, it is planned to align it with the recyclability regulations of the EU Packaging Directive (provided that it has come into force by then). This should help to ensure a smooth transition for the economy to the future EU-wide mandatory regulation.
RecycleMe advises you on all matters relating to recyclability.
Would you like to know whether your packaging is specifically affected by the changes, or whether the recyclability of your packaging has changed? We will be happy to help you evaluate your packaging. Or are you wondering what new requirements you will have to meet at what point in time with regard to the new German Packaging Ordinance (PPWR)? We will be happy to advise you on this as well. We will be happy to advise you on the impact the new minimum standard could have on the recyclability of your packaging.
