We warmly welcome you to our 8th newsletter 2024! 🌍

With the newsletter, we regularly provide our subscribers with specialized information focusing on EPR-compliance.

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

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

Deutsche Recycling

Agreement reached in the negotiations on the PPWR

On 24 April, the plenary of the EU Parliament voted on the English version of the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation.

The draft of the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is now being translated into the 24 official languages of the EU. It is planned that the new Parliament will approve the final version of the PPWR in autumn 2024.  The regulations should then take effect 18 months after the regulation comes into force.

Objectives of the PPWR:

The PPWR aims to improve the sustainability of packaging and packaging waste. This includes specifications for packaging design, requirements for reusable packaging and waste management.

Standardised implementation:

The regulation ensures that the rules on packaging and packaging waste are standardised in all 27 EU member states. This excludes national adaptations, resulting in a more consistent and effective set of rules.

• Are you a manufacturer of single-use products or are you affected by the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive?
• Do you have questions about the Packaging Act?
• Do you need support with registration or with the administration of your tax obligations?

We will be happy to help you. Simply get in touch with us via chat, e-mail, contact form or telephone. We will answer your enquiry within the next 24 hours.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act 4 and the planned amendments

In 2023 targets for Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act 4 (ElektroG) were initially announced, including an increase in collection rates for waste electrical and electronic equipment, reducing the fire risk of lithium batteries, strengthening the circular economy and improving consumer communication.

Current plans for ElektroG 4:

However, many aspects of these plans have been withdrawn. The current plans mainly include the extension of take-back obligations by retailers, extended return options for e-cigarettes, better labelling of take-back points, more flexible handling of own take-back fractions and the introduction of a "counter model" at recycling centres.

Reasons for the reduction of the amendment:

It is pointed out that the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Chancellery want fewer burdens on the economy, leading to the watered-down plans.

Outlook at EU level:

Hopes are now pinned on EU initiatives, such as the new Ecodesign Regulation and a possible amendment to the WEEE Directive, to achieve more comprehensive and effective measures for WEEE management.

 
The originally planned targets of the ElektroG4 are not expected to be fully realised, instead drastic measures are expected to continue to help improve WEEE management.
 
It is important for your company to prepare now for the upcoming changes. Our experts will be happy to help you if you need support with the WEEE Act. Click on the button below now to make a free enquiry.

Solar package adopted -

consequences for companies

The "Solar Package I" was passed by the Bundestag and Bundesrat on 26 April 2024 to accelerate the expansion of photovoltaics in Germany. It contains a series of changes to the legal framework that affect various areas of photovoltaics:

Plug-in solar devices (balcony PV systems):

A legal definition for these systems has been established for the first time.
The maximum installation output of the modules is now 2 kWp and the maximum inverter output is 800 VA.
Registration in the market master data register replaces the separate notification to the grid operator.

Simplified billing of PV electricity in apartment blocks:

The new "communal building supply" enables PV electricity to be passed on to individual parties without a full supply obligation.

Subsidy level and participation in tenders:

The subsidy level for PV roof systems above 40 kWp has been increased.
The limit for participation in tenders has been lowered to 750 kWp.
Systems in certain outdoor areas receive the same EEG remuneration as indoor systems.

Ground-mounted photovoltaics:

New installations must fulfil nature conservation standards in order to participate in tenders.
Systems in "less favoured areas" are eligible, even if they are smaller than 1,000 kWp.

Special solar installations:

Agri-PV systems, car park PV systems and other special systems receive higher payment rates and their own tendering rules.

If you need assistance with compliance, our experts are available to guide you through this process and ensure your business is compliant. Send us a free enquiry and receive immediate support.

The latest ECJ judgement: Impact on the photovoltaic industry

A recent judgement by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and a new EU directive have an impact on cost responsibility in connection with the disposal of old appliances.

Background information:

The WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) is of great importance for the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The ECJ judgement in case C-181/20 recently declared provisions of this directive to be invalid. This decision affects manufacturers of photovoltaic modules in particular, as they were able to charge costs even for old appliances before the WEEE Directive came into force.

Changes at EU level:

In response to the ECJ judgement, Directive (EU) 2024/884 was adopted. These amendments concern the cost responsibility for manufacturers of photovoltaic modules in connection with the disposal of waste equipment.

National implementation and effects:

In Germany, the legislator has published the current notice on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2024/884. The national adaptations must now be reviewed to ensure that photovoltaic manufacturers comply with the new legal requirements.

The new legal developments at EU level have a direct impact on the photovoltaic industry and the cost responsibility of its manufacturers. It is important that companies are aware of these changes and act accordingly to ensure their compliance and support the sustainability of the industry in the long term.

We will be happy to help you. Simply get in touch with us via chat, email, contact form or telephone. We will answer your enquiry within the next 24 hours.

Invitation to webinar :

EPR for Textiles in the EU 

Which countries have implemented an EPR system for textiles and what are the specific characteristics for each?

Join our webinar featuring Tim Ludwig, Key Account Manager International on the 16th of May at 10:30am, for insights into the textile strategy's background. Discover which countries have enacted textile waste obligations and key considerations.

Register now and secure your place in the webinar!

🆕 Fresh Up -

Reminders / Dates

France - Triman logo : stocks of garden products and toys without the French Triman logo must be exhausted by 6 June 2024. After this date, compliance with the Triman labelling will be mandatory in accordance with French regulations. 

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 me an email with your comments and suggestions for improvement. 

Your Marketing Team

Christine Schneider

 & Anh-Thu Luong 

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