14. Newsletter 2024 🌍: Germany: Single-Use Plastic Fund Act

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Welcome to our 14th newsletter of 2024!

In this edition, we continue to offer our subscribers specialized information on EPR compliance.

If you have any questions, our experts are available for personal consultation.

Today's topics at a glance

Germany: Single-Use Plastic Fund Act - Obligations for foreign producers
New service : Authorised Representative for the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act in Germany
Scotland: Introduction of a fee for disposable beverage containers
USA: California adopts the Responsible Textile Recovery Act
USA: The Plastics Pact
EU: New European Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

We hope you enjoy reading the newsletter and look forward to your feedback!

Best regards,

Deutsche Recycling

Germany: Single-Use Plastic Fund Act - Obligations for foreign producers

The German Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) brings important changes for manufacturers of single-use plastic products that supply the German market. From 1 January 2025, manufacturers who are not based in Germany must appoint an authorised representative locally.

Who is required to register?

The registration requirement on the DIVID platform applies to all companies that supply single-use plastic products to Germany. The timing of registration depends on the business activity:

Before 01/01/2024: Registration must be completed by 31/12/2024 at the latest.
From 01/01/2024: Immediate registration is required.
Before 01/01/2026 (fireworks): Registration must be completed by 31/12/2026 at the latest.

These regulations are equally binding on manufacturers, importers and distributors who introduce or distribute products on the German market.

You can find out which single-use plastic products are affected by the EWKFondsG in the blog article.

✉️ More about single-use plastic products

🆕New service :

Authorised Representative for

the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act

(EWKFondsG) in German

As part of our full service, we offer our foreign customers the opportunity to take over the authorisation required by the EWKFondsG and the associated obligations.

Our Full-Service Solution!

The full service offering from Deutsche Recycling provides the following on the basis of the EWKFondsG:

Advice on all matters relating to the assumption of authorisation
Support with initial questions regarding volume testing by an expert, auditor or tax consultant
Process support for our customers
Assumption of the legal producer obligation
Legally compliant review of the levies notices from the German Environment Agency
Payment of the stipulated levy in accordance with the levy notice for our customers

Deutsche Recycling offers a full service and a quick and cost-effective solution for this. Our service covers all aspects of the application process. Contact us.

🔎 Get in touch now

Scotland: Introduction of a fee for disposable beverage containers

The Scottish government has launched a consultation on the introduction of a charge on disposable drinks cups, which should help to reduce their use and disposal.

The proposal is for a minimum fee of 25 pence (about €0.30) per cup – regardless of the material. This means that biodegradable and bio-based plastics would also be affected by the regulation.

The consultation highlights that these materials, which are advertised as more sustainable, continue to cause problems. ‘Although these materials are supposedly more environmentally friendly, they remain single-use products and lead to challenges such as inadequate recycling infrastructure and littering,’ the consultation text says.

Who is affected?

The fee would be charged on every beverage purchase, including coffee, tea and soft drinks, and also in the context of loyalty programmes. The only exceptions are planned for beverages offered free of charge in institutions such as hospitals or nursing homes, or beverages from vending machines.

Model of plastic bag fee

The planned fee is based on the successful introduction of the plastic bag fee in 2014. As then, the net proceeds of the measure are to be used for environmental projects.

The consultation will run until 14 November 2024 and follows the introduction of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, which was passed in June 2024.

It is important for your company to prepare for the upcoming changes now. Our experts are happy to help if you need support.
Click on the button below to make a free request.

🔎 Get in touch now

USA: California passes law for responsible textile recovery

California has passed the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707), initiated by Senator Josh Newman. It is the first law in the US to introduce an extended producer responsibility (EPR) programme specifically for textiles.

Objectives:

The law aims to tackle the growing problem of textile waste by requiring manufacturers to finance and manage the end-of-life processes of their products, including recycling, reuse and repair.

Key industry players such as the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and major brands such as IKEA support the law. It was amended to make it more industry-friendly and address concerns such as liability for counterfeit products.

If you are a textile manufacturer considering selling in California, we will be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice and support you in overcoming the challenges.

🔎 Get in touch now

USA: The Plastics Pact

The US Plastics Pact is a voluntary initiative inspired by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. It aims to make the plastics industry in the US more sustainable by reducing waste, improving recycling and redesigning plastic packaging.

This initiative brings together companies, government agencies and non-profit organisations to promote the transition to a circular economy.

The influence of the plastics industry

The US government recently announced plans to reduce plastic production and sign an international plastic agreement, which is expected to be finalised by the end of 2024. This decision is supported by a large proportion of the population – according to Greenpeace, 63% of Americans are in favour of a global plastic agreement and a ban on single-use plastics.

Objectives of the US Plastics Pact

The US Plastics Pact has the following goals, including:

Reducing virgin plastic: The use of new plastic is to be reduced by 30% by 2030.
Sustainable packaging: All plastic packaging should be reusable, recyclable or compostable.
Increase recycling rates: 50% of all plastic packaging is to be recycled by 2030.
Responsible sourcing: The proportion of recycled or bio-based plastic is to increase to 30 per cent.

Consequences for affected companies

Regulatory requirements: Companies must prepare for possible new legal requirements that could arise from the Pact's objectives.

Product design and innovation: Companies must redesign their products and packaging to achieve the Pact's goals.

Supply chain adjustments: Companies must adjust their supply chains to ensure that they use recyclable or compostable materials and that these materials are available.

Overall, the US Plastics Pact provides a platform for collaboration and innovation to address the challenges of plastic pollution and create a more sustainable future.

Deutsche Recycling offers a legal monitoring service that provides relevant information and supports implementation. Our advisory team is available to answer any questions.

🔎 Get in touch now

EU: New European Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

On 13 December 2024, the new Regulation on General Product Safety (Regulation (EU) 2023/988), also known as the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), will come into force. The aim of the regulation is to increase product safety for consumers, particularly in distance and online sales.

Objective of the regulation

The GPSR is a response to developments such as digitalisation, technological advances and globalised supply chains. It aims to ensure that consumers only receive safe products, regardless of their origin or point of sale.

Stakeholders

The regulation affects all economic operators, including manufacturers, authorised representatives, importers, distributors and fulfilment service providers. Online marketplace providers are also subject to specific rules.

Products covered

The GPSD applies to all products that could be used by consumers, except for specific categories such as pharmaceuticals, food and non-operable means of transport. This also includes packaging that is sold as part of the product or separately.

Distributor obligations

Distributors may only sell safe products that are correctly labelled. They are obliged to provide safety information and monitor storage and transport conditions to ensure product safety. This also applies to packaging, which must be safe and in compliance with the applicable requirements.

Before products go on sale, distributors must ensure that they meet the applicable requirements. This includes checking the labelling requirements to ensure that all the necessary information is correctly and visibly displayed on the packaging. In the event of non-compliance, measures such as recalls and notification of the authorities are required.

Special requirements for online trading

Additional obligations apply to distance selling: product images, safety warnings and information must be easily accessible for consumers. Online marketplaces must ensure that all important information is displayed correctly. Packaging must also be clearly described and labelled in online trading to ensure safety and compliance.

Do you need support in implementing the Product Safety Regulation?

We are happy to help. Simply contact us via chat, email, contact form or phone.

➤ Talk with us

Feedback

To ensure that you continue to receive an informative and appealing newsletter in the future, we look forward to your feedback. Please feel free to send us an email with your comments and suggestions for improvement.

Your Marketing Team

Christine Schneider

& Anh-Thu Luong

newsletter@deutsche-recycling.de

DR Deutsche Recycling Service GmbH
Bonner Straße 484 – 486
50968 Cologne
Phone +49 221 80033210
Fax +49 221 80033229

info@deutsche-recycling.de

www.deutsche-recycling.de

DR Deutsche Recycling Service GmbH, Bonner Straße 484 – 486, 50968 Köln, NRW DE

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