Directive (EU) 2015/720 amending Directive 94/62/EC as regards reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags

Amending Directive on Packaging Directive

Directives | Directive 2015/720

Currently, the competent European bodies are discussing an amendment to the Directive on Packaging and more ambitious recovery requirements. The provisions will be transposed into German law through the Packaging Ordinance. Amending directive (EU) 2015/720 added provisions on reducing the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier backs to the Directive on Packaging. The directive basically obligates member states to reduce the annual consumption of bags to a maximum of 90 per person by the end of 2019 and to a maximum of 40 per person by the end of 2025. The measures to achieve these targets are at the discretion of the member states. Member states may introduce a binding fee for plastic bags as an alternative or in addition to other measures. Germany aims to achieve these targets by means of a voluntary agreement between the Federal Environment Ministry and the Handelsverband Deutschland e. V. on a fee for plastic bags. This voluntary agreement entered into force on 1 July 2016.

Update Date: 31.03.2017
https://www.bmuv.de/GE782-1

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