Bags, plastic film, and food packaging containing more than 500 grams will be exempt from the levy in the future.

This packaging will no longer fall within the scope of the Disposable Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG), according to the Federal Environment Agency (UBA). The law obliges manufacturers of to-go food containers, tobacco filters (products) and certain other single-use plastic products to contribute to the costs of disposal in public spaces as part of extended producer responsibility. It came into force on January 1, 2024, and serves to implement the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. Companies pay into the UBA's single-use plastic fund annually. Local authorities receive reimbursements from the fund for waste management, cleaning, and education.
 
With the exception of bags, foil, and food packaging with a content of more than 500 grams, the packaging of a 750-gram stollen is now also no longer subject to the levy under the EWKFondsG. Before the exemption, there had been massive opposition from bakeries to the levy on stollen packaging. The UBA points out that the objections raised are no longer valid due to the change in the scope of the EWKFondsG.
 
According to the UBA, the new quantity threshold now creates more practicality and clarity for affected companies. The annual levy continues to apply to smaller to-go packaging made of single-use plastic. The adjustment was introduced on November 3, 2025, by administrative regulation and published on the DIVID platform.
 
Sources:

• UBA press release (3.11.2025)
• Photo: © Agenlaku Indonesia / Unsplash (Symbolbild)