German industry associations are calling on the European Commission to simplify the rules governing packaging and packaging waste in business and industrial sectors. This appeal, reported by Packaging Europe, focuses on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which is central to the European Union’s efforts to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainability.

The associations propose several changes to the regulation, seeking exemptions for industrial and commercial packaging from certain requirements. These include exemptions from rules on reuse obligations, associated reporting duties, mandatory sorting labels, financial requirements, empty space restrictions, and reduction targets. The goal is to reduce bureaucratic burdens while maintaining environmental goals.

One of the key concerns raised in the statement is the feasibility of certain reuse quotas. For example, the associations argue that the mandated 100% reuse target for some packaging is unworkable. Similarly, they highlight the 40% reuse quota for cross-border transport as creating unnecessary bureaucracy without delivering significant ecological benefits. Additionally, they contend that the reporting rules for reusable packaging place these systems at a disadvantage compared to single-use alternatives, making it harder for businesses to comply.

The associations also question the necessity of mandatory sorting pictograms on professional packaging, arguing that these labels are unnecessary for trained personnel. They have requested that an existing exemption for transport packaging be expanded. Regarding financial mechanisms, the associations argue that these should not apply when a producer operates its own take-back system. They also state that legal mandates for minimum rotation rates are redundant, as reuse already reaches its maximum potential when it is technically and economically feasible. Furthermore, they believe rules governing empty space in packaging are superfluous, with logistics companies already optimizing space independently.

Finally, the industry groups highlight potential contradictions within the regulation's text regarding waste prevention targets. They fear that, without clear exemptions written into the law, member states could apply reduction targets to industrial and commercial packaging despite a legislative intent to exclude these sectors. The groups are calling for greater legal clarity to prevent a fragmented approach across EU member states and ensure uniformity in the application of packaging regulations.