PRO MEHRWEG - Verband zur Förderung von Mehrwegverpackungen e.V.
Der Verband PRO MEHRWEG versteht sich als Plattform für alle, die zum Erhalt und zur Weiterentwicklung des weltweit einzigartigen Mehrwegsystems in Deutschland beitragen.
ID: 171353849807-01
Lobbying Activity
Meeting with Delara Burkhardt (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)
5 Jun 2023 · Packaging
Meeting with Malte Gallée (Member of the European Parliament)
31 May 2023 · Packaging and Packaging Waste
Response to Initiative on EU taxonomy - environmental objective
3 May 2023
The Reuse Alliance (Mehrweg-Allianz) is a coalition of Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. (DUH), the Association of German Beverage Wholesalers (BV GFGH), Private Breweries in Germany (Private Brauereien Deutschland), the Association of German Retail of Beverages(VDGE), Foundation for Reuse (SIM) and the Initiative for the promotion of reusable packaging (Pro Mehrweg). The Alliance, together with the Cooperative of the German bottled water companies (Genossenschaft Deutscher Brunnen), unifies decades of experience in operating the world wide biggest reuse system for beverages in Germany. The Reuse Alliance welcomes that design for reuse has been included as a sustainable activity that substantially contributes to the transition to a circular economy. However, the design of the criteria do not yet develop their full potential to achieve greater scaling effects for reuse systems. Please find our detailed feedback in the attached position paper.
Read full responseResponse to Review of the requirements for packaging and feasibility of measures to prevent packaging waste
24 Apr 2023
The Reuse Alliance (Mehrweg-Allianz) is a coalition of Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V. (DUH), the Association of German Beverage Wholesalers (BV GFGH), Private Breweries in Germany (Private Brauereien Deutschland), the Association of German Retail of Beverages(VDGE), Foundation for Reuse (SIM) and the Initiative for the promotion of reusable packaging (Pro Mehrweg). The Alliance, together with the Cooperative of the German bottled water companies (Genossenschaft Deutscher Brunnen), unifies decades of experience in operating the world wide biggest reuse system for beverages in Germany. The Reuse Alliance assesses the draft of the packaging and packaging waste regulation (PPWR) as an important step towards reducing unnecessary packaging waste. The Alliance appreciates that binding reuse quotas are set at EU level for the first time which gives a strong signal to the packaging and beverage industry that well-managed reuse systems allow for maximised environmental and economic benefits. However, we want to point out that the current draft falls short in terms of level of ambition especially for the reuse quotas for beverage packaging. Moreover, we want to raise our concern that existing and well-functioning reuse systems must not be disregarded or even jeopardised when setting regulations that affect these systems. This applies specifically to provisions that concern the definition of re-use, the labelling of packaging, reuse targets, recycled content targets, as well as deposit and return systems. Our main points of concern are explained in more detail in the attached joint position paper.
Read full responseResponse to Review of the requirements for packaging and feasibility of measures to prevent packaging waste
21 Apr 2023
Pro Mehrweg e.V. (Association Pro Reuse) consists of and represents associations and companies of the German beverage industry, beverage wholesalers and retailers, their supplier industries, as well as environmental associations and individuals. The association acts as a platform for all those who contribute to the preservation and continuous development of the unparalleled German reuse system for beverage packaging. Our 100 members advocate the use of reusable packaging wherever it makes ecological and economic sense. Pro Mehrweg believes that legislators at the national and EU level have a duty to take appropriate measures to establish and protect reuse systems in the beverage industry in order to prevent waste, preserve finite resources and protect the climate. Pro Mehrweg welcomes the EU Commission's proposal for a new and comprehensive legal framework for packaging and, in particular, its conversion from a Directive into a Regulation that applies equally in all Member States. Furthermore, Pro Mehrweg expressly welcomes the fact that for the first time, concrete policies to address waste prevention and reuse have been proposed, in line with the EU waste hierarchy. We strongly support the intention of strengthening the circular economy by setting clear rules for the implementation and expansion of reusable packaging systems throughout the EU. However, the proposal currently lacks ambition, particularly with regard to the level of reuse targets. In part, the proposal does not provide the necessary regulatory clarity, e.g. regarding important cornerstones that can ensure the expansion of truly effective reuse systems. Most importantly, many of the provisions contained in the current proposal are, fully or in part, inappropriate and not applicable to the traditional German reuse system for beverage packaging. These rules thus have the potential to destroy the world's largest existing reusable packaging system, by rendering its continuation economically, ecologically and/or practically impossible. Our main points and concerns are as follows, and will be explained in further detail in the attached position paper: Reuse targets lack ambition Rigid organisational structure would destroy traditional reuse systems Mandatory serial labelling is superfluous and endangers established reuse systems Strict regulatory separation of reuse and refill is necessary Take-back of reusable packaging must be regulated and incentivised Number of minimum rotations must be defined Reusable packaging must be exempt from recycled content obligations Empty space requirement must not apply to reusable packaging Too many regulatory details are outsourced to delegated or implementing acts Decision to no longer charge VAT on deposits is welcomed Proposal contains terminological inaccuracies and imprecisions
Read full response