Single-use Plastics Directive

The environmental impact of plastic waste is to be reduced and the transition to a circular economy promoted. This is the aim of the Single-Use Plastics Directive (Directive [EU] 2019/904), which is not directly applicable in Germany but must be transposed into national law. The German legislator has responded and has already passed laws of great practical relevance, such as the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) and the Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Ordinance (EWKVerbotsV).

Companies are required to adapt their processes to the strict EU regulations. The use of certain single-use plastic products is restricted and in some cases even prohibited. In addition, the private sector is required to contribute to the costs in order to avoid waste and enable more environmentally friendly use, e.g. by taking back and recycling plastics.

The lawyers at GvW will support you in complying with the legal requirements when implementing the Single-Use Plastics Directive. As a law firm with many years of experience in product-related environmental law and an interdisciplinary ESG team, we are familiar with the complexity of sustainability regulation - and will help you to integrate the regulations into your business processes in a legally compliant but practical manner.

The main focus of our legal advice

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Reviewing and adapting company processes and developing internal guidelines for implementing the regulations

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Support in the development and introduction of new, legally compliant products and packaging

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Legal advice on the implementation of systems for taking back and recycling single-use plastics

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Drafting and reviewing contracts with suppliers, recycling and other partner companies

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Advising and representing companies in their dealings with the relevant authorities (e.g. to fulfil reporting obligations)

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Representing companies in legal disputes in connection with the Single-Use Plastics Directive

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