German industry demands EU ease packaging rules under PPWR reform push
German industry groups are pushing the European Commission to ease rules on industrial and commercial packaging under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). The call comes as part of the wider Environmental Omnibus initiative, which aims to streamline EU legislation. Businesses argue that many of the current restrictions are impractical and create unnecessary burdens.
The proposed changes target reuse targets, reporting duties, and labelling rules, which associations claim are unrealistic for certain sectors. A Frequently Asked Questions document has been released to clarify key issues, including application deadlines and compliance requirements.
The industry's statement highlights several concerns with the PPWR, which entered into force in February 2025 and will be fully applied by August 2026. One major issue is the reuse targets outlined in Article 29(1) to (3), which businesses describe as unworkable for many industrial and commercial packaging types. They argue that logistics companies already optimise space and weight without regulatory pressure, making additional restrictions redundant.
Associations are also calling for exemptions from pictogram labelling on industrial packaging, claiming these symbols are unnecessary for trained waste handlers and could even cause confusion. Another key demand is legal clarity to prevent member states from misinterpreting Recital 120, which outlines certain exemptions. The groups warn that without clearer wording, countries may impose extra requirements, despite the PPWR's intended flexibility.
Reporting obligations under Articles 30 and 31 have drawn particular criticism. Businesses argue that these rules place reusable packaging users at a disadvantage compared to those using single-use alternatives. Financial requirements, such as eco-modulation fees, are also under scrutiny, with associations insisting they should not apply to sectors with established take-back systems.
While member states have yet to show strong opposition to the reuse targets, implementation varies. Germany has introduced financing and documentation duties through a draft VerpackDG, even though the PPWR exempts industrial packaging from some rules. France, meanwhile, is behind schedule in setting up the required Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, which must be operational by early 2026.
The proposed simplifications include delaying EU reporting deadlines, narrowing the scope of certain obligations, and reassessing the Single-Use Plastic Directive's effectiveness before enforcing stricter measures.
The industry's push for changes reflects broader concerns about the practicality of the PPWR's requirements. If adopted, the proposed exemptions and clarifications could reduce administrative burdens for businesses while maintaining environmental goals. The European Commission's response will determine whether the regulation adapts to industry needs or retains its current structure.
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