Both associations have spoken out strongly against the plastic levy approved today by the Federal Cabinet as part of the 2027 federal budget.

Until now, the Federal Government has funded the so-called plastic levy on non-recycled plastic packaging from the national budget, as is the case in most European countries. This is now set to change, according to the key figures recently agreed for the 2027 federal budget. The association of plastics manufacturers Plastics Europe Deutschland (PED) and the Gesamtverband Kunststoffverarbeitende Industrie (General Association of the Plastics Processing Industry, GKV) criticise the Cabinet’s decision as economically damaging and environmentally ineffective.
 
PED Chief Executive Dr Christine Bunte emphasises: “A unilateral plastic levy harms the circular economy and climate protection: In practice, alternative materials are often used instead, which are frequently more resource-intensive and harder to recycle. Fibre-based, plastic-coated composite packaging is particularly problematic. Statistically, it is classified as plastic avoidance, but it often leads to more waste and reduced recyclability.” Given the current economic strain, the levy would also send a disastrous signal in terms of industrial policy, according to Bunte. The GKV takes a similar view. According to Chief Executive Dr Oliver Möllenstädt, the levy jeopardises investment, places a burden on consumers and could weaken the circular economy through substitution effects towards less sustainable materials. “A plastic levy would deprive companies of the leeway for urgently needed investments and is likely to further worsen the already weakened competitiveness of many companies,” Möllenstädt continued.
 
Instead of a new levy, both associations are once again calling for effective eco-modulation of licence fees in the forthcoming Packaging Act Implementation Act (VerpackDG). In the associations’ view, the federal government should create financial incentives for circular design and the use of recycled materials, rather than unilaterally discriminating against plastic.
 
Sources:

• PED press release (29.4.2026)
• GKV press release (29.4.2026)
• Photo: © Alana Harris / Unsplash (Symbolbild)