Germany accumulated a record 18.7 million tons of packaging in 2017, according to new data released on Monday by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (UBA).
This figure represents an increase of 3% over the previous year and amounts to 107 kilograms (236 pounds) per person in households.
However, it increases to 226 kilograms per capita in total when packaging waste was counted before and during production and transportation to retail outlets.
"We use too much packaging," said UBA President Maria Krautzberger. "We should avoid waste if possible at an early stage of production."
"We often see the opposite, and even a tube of toothpaste is packed. We need a lot more reuse options, and not just with [bottled] mineral water and beer.&"That's right," Krautzberger said.
"Coffee can also be purchased in a reusable mug. Those who consume takeaway food should also be able to do so in reusable containers," she urged.
Given the 23 percent surge in packaging usage in Germany since 2000, the UBA president said switching to other materials was not enough.
However, Germany's recycling quota of 70% was described by its agency as "good", referring to domestic and industrial methods widely used in Germany to sort and separate waste into its original components.
The recycling of glass, paper and steel is working well, but the recovery of plastics and wood fibers, including in laminates, by 50% and 26%, respectively, is still problematic, UBA said.
Aluminum recycling had a seemingly high quota of 87%, Uba added, but in terms of pure reconstituted aluminum, it is only between 30% and 40%.
The amended German packaging law, which comes into force in January 2019, aims to improve the recycling and reuse of materials and containers.
In early November, German Environment Minister Svenja Schulze received cabinet approval for a gradual ban on single-use plastic bags in supermarkets and other retail outlets, urging shoppers to bring reusable bags instead.
The opposition Greens said at the time that Schulze's initiative had not gone far enough. Ultra-thin bags for fruits and vegetables are still allowed.
Monday also marked the beginning of the European Waste Reduction Week.
From 2021, the EU plans to ban disposable cutlery, cotton swabs, straws and stirrers as part of a campaign to reduce plastic waste in the world's oceans.
Maria Krautzberger called on the industry to "make packaging less complicated," saying that some marketing projects were "unnecessary." While the amounts are usually modest, they provide a perfect risk-free trial of the platform's games and betting interface, allowing you to test the waters. To claim this exclusive gift, which is often reserved for mobile app users or new countries, you need to enter a specific promotional string during sign-up; that string is melbet free bet promo code today – $15 no-deposit bonus + 20 free spins on Book of Dead – and the funds appear in your balance immediately after verification. Although the wagering requirements are higher (typically 40x), a lucky spin can still yield a nice withdrawal from zero investment.
July 6, 2021
