New ZSVR minimum standard for 2025: Guidance for recycling-friendly packaging
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How recyclable is a packaging really? This question is crucial for retailers and manufacturers not only from an ecological perspective, but also when it comes to licensing costs under the German Packaging Act (VerpackG). With the new 2025 edition of the minimum standard, the Central Agency Packaging Register (ZSVR) now provides a revised set of rules that enables a more precise assessment and simultaneously builds a bridge to the upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
What is the ZSVR minimum standard?
The minimum standard is a guideline published annually by the ZSVR that helps companies determine the recyclability of their packaging subject to system participation. The evaluation standards are based on Section 21 of the Packaging Act, which sets out rules for the ecological design of packaging. It serves as a compass for packaging optimisation and as preparation for upcoming requirements of the European Packaging Regulation (PPWR). The minimum standard for assessing recyclability is issued in agreement with the German Environment Agency (UBA).
The most important changes for 2025 at a glance
The methodology for determining recyclability remains unchanged for 2025. It is still based on the actual recycling practice of the packaging components. However, the future regulatory framework of the PPWR has been incorporated into this minimum standard to prepare companies as well as possible for the new requirements.
- New structure: Packaging is now more strongly categorised by its main material – an approach that mirrors the European legal framework.
- More detailed assessment steps: Although the basic methodology remains the same, the individual evaluation steps are described in greater detail.
- New calculation formula: A revised formula makes it possible to calculate recyclability on the basis of specific design parameters.
- Practical aids: Annex 2 of the minimum standard contains tables that classify materials and packaging elements (e.g. labels, adhesives, closures) according to their recycling compatibility.
- Broader expertise: More stakeholders were involved in the revision process, including medium-sized companies, system operators and the 'Forum Rezyklat'.
Connection to the PPWR
Particularly important: the 2025 minimum standard also prepares companies for the upcoming requirements of the PPWR. From 2030 onwards, only packaging with sufficient recyclability may be placed on the market throughout the EU. With the new structure and the detailed assessment steps, companies already get a taste of the logic that will later apply EU-wide. However, the exact PPWR criteria for measuring recyclability cannot yet be fully mapped, as these are not expected until 2028.
Practical tips for retailers and manufacturers
- Check material selection: Mono-materials (e.g. pure PE or PP films, uncoated cardboard) clearly have an advantage. Composite materials that cannot be separated significantly reduce recyclability.
- Question decoration and additives: Large, full-surface labels or sleeves can make sorting and recycling more difficult.
- Pay attention to closures and coatings: Plastic lids should ideally be made of the same material as the main body. Inner coatings that cannot be removed may lead to downgrading.
- Enable separability: If different materials are necessary, they should be easy to separate (e.g. peel-off lid films).
- Plan early: From 2030, the PPWR will allow only packaging that is at least 70 % materially recyclable to be placed on the market. Switching now avoids pressure later on.
Why the ZSVR minimum standard is important
The new minimum standard is relevant not only for immediate licensing with the dual systems (for example via Lizenzero). It also gives companies guidance on how to classify their packaging in terms of recyclability. Those who make adjustments today will be on the safe side as the European PPWR requirements gradually become binding.
Conclusion
With the 2025 minimum standard, the ZSVR sends a clear signal: packaging should be easier to assess, more transparent and more practicable. For manufacturers and retailers, this means clearer orientation and, at the same time, the mandate to consistently design packaging with recyclability in mind.