Recycling quotas for dual systems in Germany (§ 42 VerpackDG)

Q: What recycling rates must German dual systems reach?

§ 42(2) VerpackDG sets annual averages for the packaging licensed with each system: 90% by mass for glass and for paper and cardboard; 90% for ferrous metals and aluminium, 95% from 2028; 80% for beverage cartons; 70% for other composites; 75% for plastics from 2028 and 80% from 2030. Plastics also need set shares of mechanical recycling. These targets fall on the systems, not on you.

What recycling rates must German dual systems reach?

90% for glass, paper and metals (95% for metals from 2028), 80% beverage cartons, 70% other composites, 75% plastics from 2028 and 80% from 2030.

Since 12 August 2026, § 5 VerpackDG, implementing Article 45(3) of Regulation (EU) 2025/40, requires a producer with no establishment in Germany to appoint an authorised representative before it first makes packaging available in Germany. Read § 5

By Razvan Toma · Founder · Last checked 7 November 2026 · Sources linked below

Quick answer

The quotas are set per material, as annual averages of what each system has licensed. § 42(2) VerpackDG: glass 90%; paper, paperboard and cardboard 90%; ferrous metals and aluminium 90%, rising to 95% from 1 January 2028; beverage cartons 80%; other composites 70%; plastics 75% from 1 January 2028 and 80% from 1 January 2030. Of plastics, at least 63%, 70% from 2028 and 75% from 2030 must go to mechanical recycling. The quotas bind the dual systems, not the producers who license with them. See the dual systems. VerpackDG § 42

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What recycling rates must German dual systems reach?

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