The 2025 edition of the minimum standard for recyclable packaging is intended to further simplify the assessment of recyclability.

The minimum standard for recyclable packaging is updated annually by the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) in cooperation with the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) and a group of experts. According to its own information, the ZSVR has expanded the group of experts for the 2025 minimum standard published on 29 August to include medium-sized companies, additional system operators and representatives of the Recyclate Forum. This interdisciplinary composition is intended to ensure a high degree of practical relevance, technical expertise and a broad professional foundation. According to the ZSVR, the new minimum standard has also been fundamentally revised in terms of structure. It is intended to help companies assess the recyclability of their packaging more easily and initiate necessary changes at an early stage, according to a statement. The 2025 minimum standard is also much more closely aligned with the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and differs significantly from previous versions in terms of appearance and structure. For example, the packaging categories according to the PPWR system are brought to the fore – sorted according to the predominant material of the main packaging component. According to the ZVSR, the technical basis of the standard remains largely unchanged, as does the methodology for determining recyclability. What is new is the presentation of the individual test steps and a formula for calculating recyclability.

 
Further information: External link to the ZSVR website with press release on the 2025 minimum standard

 
Sources:

• ZSVR press release (29.8.2025)
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