Your participation

Any business that packages, distributes or imports products in or into the EU is subject to certain legal obligations. These vary depending on the type of packaging and the distribution channel. The following content explains which rules apply and how to classify packaging correctly.

Participation obligation,
one-stop solution

Legal certainty in relation to all packaging obligations
Direct integration into take-back and collection systems
Uncomplicated implementation without additional effort

Legally compliant from the start

Whether via a system participation model or an individual take-back scheme, the key is to place packaging on the market in a legally compliant manner. With robust expertise in EPR compliance, the full process can be handled end to end, reducing bureaucracy and eliminating unnecessary administrative effort. This enables companies to meet their legal obligations reliably and efficiently.

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Your obligations

What type of packaging do you use?

Servicepackaging

Registration in the LUCID packaging register
Conclusion of a system participation contract
Notification of packaging volumes (data reporting)

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Salespackaging

Registration in the LUCID packaging register
Conclusion of a system participation contract
Notification of packaging volumes (data reporting)

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E-commerce packagin

Registration in the LUCID packaging register
Conclude a system
participation agreement
(dual system contract)
Report your packaging volumes/quantities

Grouped packaging

Registration in the LUCID packaging register
Conclusion of a system participation contract
Notification of packaging volumes (data reporting)

Specialpackaging

Registration in the LUCID packaging register

There are certain take-back and recycling obligations you must fulfil. You need to provide evidence. The details are governed by the applicable statutory provisions (in Germany, from 12 August 2026, under the VerpackDG in conjunction with the PPWR).

Transport packaging

Registration in the LUCID packaging register

More about the disposal of transport packaging

Sales packaging for hazardous contents

Registration in the LUCID packaging register

More about the disposal of transport packaging

Primary production packaging

From 12 August 2026, primary production packaging may trigger different obligations depending on the typical point of generation: if it typically arises as waste in private households or comparable points of generation, it may become subject to system participation (Section 3(6) VerpackDG)—including registration and data reporting in the LUCID Packaging Register (Section 6 VerpackDG) and system participation prior to being made available on the German market (Section 7 VerpackDG). If, by contrast, it predominantly arises in the commercial (B2B) sector, compliance will generally not be handled via a dual system but through B2B processes: companies must organise take-back, ensure recovery/recycling, and document and provide evidence of quantities and treatment routes (details depend on the applicable provisions of the VerpackDG in conjunction with the PPWR).

Goals of participation

The legal requirements for participation in a packaging recycling system have clear goals that go beyond simply fulfilling obligations. They combine environmental responsibility with economic fairness and lay the foundations for a well-functioning circular economy.

Support a circular economy

Taking back, sorting and recycling packaging ensures that materials remain in circulation and helps to conserve resources.

Allocate costs fairly

The costs of collection and disposal are borne by the relevant economic operators in accordance with the polluter-pays principle, ensuring a fair allocation of costs.

Reduce environmental impacts

Higher recycling rates and waste prevention actively contribute to lowering emissions and pollution.

Ensure transparency and fairness

Harmonised requirements mean that all companies assume equal responsibility and competitive advantages remain fair.

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3D-Karte von Europa auf blauem Hintergrund

Harmonised EU standards

From 12 August 2026, the EU-wide requirements of the PPWR will apply. In Germany, the VerpackDG sets out the competent authorities, enforcement framework, and national supplementary provisions. Comparable national implementing rules also exist in the other EU Member States.

Recyclingprozess von Kunststoff: Einwegbecher, zerkleinerte Kunststoffreste und recycelte Granulatkügelchen

Recyclability in the spotlight

In future, the focus will be on cost-sharing, recyclability and binding rates of recycled content in order to keep resources in circulation more effectively.

EPR mandatory throughout the EU

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is becoming mandatory throughout the EU, creating the same basic principles for all
companies in all member states.

Geschäftsfrau im formellen Anzug liest Unterlagen vor EU-Flagge

New reporting obligations

Transparency and reporting requirements ensure that evidence must be provided in a detailed, auditable, and EU-wide comparable manner.

Participation in Germany’s dual system
Sales packaging accumulates directly with the end consumer. Germany’s dual waste collection system
(“the dual system”) ensures that it’s collected, sorted and recycled reliably – conserving resources, fulfilling recycling rates and closing loops.

System participation obligation and registration in LUCID

Collection via household recycling bins (“gelbe Tonne”), waste paper bins and bottle banks

Contribution to high-quality recycling and resource conservation

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Disposal of transport packaging
Transport packaging is indispensable to the flow of goods. To prevent it from becoming a problem, clear rules and effective solutions are needed – from take-back to recycling.

Legal basis and take-back obligations

Organisation of storage at different collection points

Efficient recycling channels and practical solutions

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EPR compliance
EPR requires producers to keep track of their products throughout their entire life cycle. This creates clear structures for recycling, resource conservation and a fair competitive environment.

Goals and principles of extended producer responsibility

Differences in implementation between EU member states

A look ahead to harmonisation under the PPWR

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Support you can rely on.

You want to be certain that processes are effective, rules are followed and help is available whenever you need it. Our transparent, reliable and practical services are designed to satisfy all of these needs.

Expertise

We continuously analyse and adapt to the latest requirements and market developments. We help companies understand which requirements are relevant to them now and which will be in the future.

Advice

We take a practical approach to resolving individual issues, developing specific recommended actions that combine legal certainty with cost-effectiveness.

Legal certainty

All processes – from packaging design to volume reporting – are based on current requirements. Companies act in compliance with the rules at all times.

Implementation

From dual-system participation to reporting, in addition to planning measures, we also provide operational support until quantifiable results are achieved.

Efficiency

Complex processes are structured, digitally supported and clearly documented. This reduces internal effort and creates space for core business activities.

Zentek Group

We are happy to advise you

Work with us and we will offer you advice and support. Our team of experienced experts is always available to answer your questions.

Tel.: +49 2203 8987‑0

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