On 1 January 2019, the Packaging Act (VerpackG) will replace the previously applicable Packaging Ordinance (VerpackV) in Germany. Anyone who distributes packaging that ends up as final consumer waste is responsible for the collection and recycling of this packaging. E-commerce merchants are also included. The Packaging Act is intended to change the behaviour of those required to register so that packaging waste is primarily avoided and can be collected in preparation for reuse or recycling. Apart from significantly raising targets for mechanical recycling, a number of duties and definitions have also been added by the new Packaging Act.
The Act requires the manufacturers and distributors of packaging to register with the newly created database named LUCID. Tasks allotted to the Register include:
Manufacturer registration before placing packaging on the market Handling data reports from manufacturers and systems Repository for declarations of compliance Comparison and auditing of data reports Maintenance of an auditor registry (appraisers, financial auditors, tax advisors, registered accountants)
The centralised auditing of all packaging licensing by the new supervisory body will be considerably more efficient and create greater transparency for all market participants.