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EPR-News & Updates
Stay Informed
EPR-News & Updates

Battery reporting for 2026: clarify responsibilities and data early
Understand the UBA guidance updated on 9 October 2026: reporting years, actor-specific responsibilities and practical data preparation.

EmpCo for Consumers: New Rules on Environmental Advertising & Warranties
Starting September 27, 2026, new rules under the EmpCo Directive will take effect—and for consumers, this means a number of

Electrical Equipment Act: DUH Issues Cease-and-Desist Letters
The new labeling requirements effective July 1, 2026, must not be underestimated or treated as a minor issue by retailers.

Preventing Fires at Waste Facilities: Germany Focuses on Battery Take-Back
Germany’s environment ministry outlines proposals for better take-back, staff training and clearer consumer information.

UBA Fireworks Waste Study: The Binding Levy Rate Is Still Pending
A UBA study provides a basis for Germany’s fireworks levy. The calculated €0.691/kg also appears in a draft regulation, but the binding rate is still pending.

Germany’s E-Waste Action Weeks 2026: A Practical Checklist for Businesses
Germany’s E-Waste Action Weeks offer businesses an opportunity to review return information, customer service guidance and internal responsibilities.

PPWR Marketplace Audit: Liability pitfalls on Amazon & eBay
Do you sell on Amazon, eBay, or other marketplaces and assume that your packaging licensing is all taken care of?

EmpCo Policy: Transitional arrangement for existing portfolios through 2028
The new rules under the EmpCo Directive have been in effect in Germany since September 27, 2026. This marks the

Vaasa promotes sustainable mobility and citizen participation
During its European Green Leaf Year 2026, Vaasa is investing in bicycle maintenance stands, e-bikes for city administration employees and citizen participation.

UBA packaging FAQ: understanding roles, documentation and deadlines
The updated UBA FAQ explains roles and obligations under packaging law. For businesses, correctly assigning responsibilities, documentation and application dates is key.

EmpCo Directive Effective September: New Rules for Green Claims
In two days, the new regulations implementing the European EmpCo Directive will take effect in Germany. Companies should therefore review

PPWR: An EU Regulation, Different National Responses
The new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) took effect on August 12, 2026. While the far-reaching bans on certain single-use plastic

Who pays for cleanliness? The focus on Single-Use Plastics
Single-use plastic products end up as litter in our environment far too often and pollute the oceans. To combat littering,

Plastic-Free Straws: What the ban really achieves – and which alternative is gaining ground
Since July 3, 2021, single-use plastic straws may no longer be placed on the market in the EU. The directive

Earth Day 2026
Today is April 22. This date is more than just a mark on the calendar – it stands worldwide for

Removable batteries in smartphones will be mandatory starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, there will be a noticeable change for smartphones in the EU: The removable battery is making a

Tethered Caps: Why the lid now stays attached to the bottle ♻️
Have you ever gotten frustrated by a cap that’s stuck to the bottle when you’re trying to drink? Since July

Disposable vapes: Fires in trash cans and recycling centers
The use of disposable e-cigarettes is booming – and with it, a massive safety risk. Because the built-in lithium-ion batteries

To-go cup tax: The cost of disposable cups is rising – who pays what?
According to DUH (Environmental Action Germany), Germany consumed approximately 36 billion single-use packaging items in 2022 (8 billion cups, 28

PFAS: Why these “forever chemicals” are now being regulated
PFAS are a large group of artificially produced chemicals. Experts often refer to them as “forever chemicals.” The reason for

What exactly is the insolvency-proof guarantee?
Anyone selling electrical appliances in Germany must comply with important legal regulations. A key requirement is the insolvency-proof guarantee. Many

ElektroG Compliance: What matters when it comes to small appliances
Did you know that a flashing greeting card is legally classified as an electrical device? The reason is the “open

🔋 E-bike Batteries: Boom, Fire Hazard & Disposal
The numbers speak for themselves: 15.7 million e-bikes were on German roads in 2024 – a massive increase compared to

Recyclates Explained: From Plastic Waste to Valuable Raw Material
Recycled materials are more than just “recycled plastic.”They are a key raw material for the circular economy and help us