Germany considers introducing a mandatory reusable offer for all final packaging distributors

Germany is considering implementing an initiative requiring all final retailers to offer reusable packaging to implement environmental decontamination.

The metal packaging industry considers that the compulsory nature of metal deposits decreed by the State for large supermarkets would have a major impact on the proper functioning of the systems and on the competitiveness of small retailers. This same requirement, however, does not extend to other member countries of the European Union.

In addition, the new draft packaging law on which the German Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) is working includes the introduction of a mandatory reusable offer for all end distributors of packaging as a major new feature. A move that has not gone down well with the German non-ferrous metals industry, represented by the associations Alumin (AD) and WirtschaftsVereinigung Metalle (WVMetalle).

The two industry organizations criticize the lack of planned EU regulations. Roland Leder, vice-president president of Aluminium Deutschland, remarked that. “the amendment of the Packaging Act is an incomprehensible German single-handedly for our industry.” .

According to the German ministry, microenterprises would be affected by a regulation that would impose a 400 square meter limit on the obligation to offer reusable containers. Leder criticizes a generalized promotion of the obligation to offer reusable packaging “is not suitable on scientific principles. This could displace packaging with beverage cans, which play an important role in eco-optimized packaging systems alongside reusable ones. Cans are almost entirely returned to citizen stores so that they can be reintroduced into the cycle.”

The German retail sector anticipates that the implementation of a reusable packaging system will significantly increase additional logistics costs, as this requires a higher number of trips by trucks to pick them up. These consequences would affect the market by raising prices and return costs.
“In order to increase the consumer’s freedom of choice e the freedom of choice of companies, often microenterprise kiosks, is severely restricted. “reiterated Leder. “In order to guarantee that consumers make use of the reusable supply, the project contains far-reaching interventions on prices. We consider that the competitiveness thus achieved is extremely questionable”.

On the other hand, the Federal Ministry of the Environment stated that the packaging law will allow the use of two different systems, return and deposit. On the other hand, cans and menu trays in self-service restaurants will be handled almost automatically through the dual or deposit system.
The mandatory deposit system for containers was introduced in 2003, and was accepted by the population with great success. It has resulted in a 99% refund for beverage cans. Aluminum beverage can recycling in Europe reaches an all-time high of 74.5%.