Disposable Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG)

The Single-Use Plastic Fund Act (EWKFondsG) has been in force in Germany since January 1, 2024. This law aims to distribute the costs of waste management for single-use plastic products more fairly and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Background and aim of the EWKFondsG

The EWKFondsG is intended to ensure that manufacturers and distributors of single-use plastic products contribute more to the financing of waste disposal. This levy covers the costs of:

Collection, transportation and disposal of plastic waste

Cleaning measures for public areas that are polluted by the waste

Awareness-raising and education campaigns to motivate consumers to adopt more environmentally conscious behavior

In the long term, these levies should help to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment and at the same time distribute the costs more fairly. This is particularly relevant for companies that put single-use plastic products into circulation, such as in the catering, retail and packaging sectors.

Affected product groups

The EWKFondsG affects products that consist entirely or partially of plastic, including bio-based plastics. The affected products include :

Food containers with or without lids that are intended for immediate consumption on site or to take away

Beverage cups, including lids and closures, with a capacity of up to 3 liters

Plastic carrier bags and other packaging intended for final consumption

Levy rates and calculation

Levy rates and calculation The amount of the levy is calculated on the basis of the weight of the product. The entire weight of the article is taken into account, even if it is only partially made of plastic. For example, in the case of a drinks cup, the proportion of paper is also included in the calculation of the total weight.

The most important tax rates in the Franz Mensch GmbH range:

Food containers: 0.177 €/kg

Beverage cups: 1.231 €/kg

Responsibilities and obligation to pay the levy

The levy will enter into force on January 1, 2025 for all affected products that have been placed on the market since January 1, 2024. The responsibility for paying the levy lies either with the manufacturers, importers or, in certain cases, with the companies that use the products and pass them on to end customers. For example, bakeries, butchers or take-away businesses bear the costs of the levy if they hand out plastic film packaging or plastic carrier bags to their customers.

Ban on single-use plastics

The Disposable Plastics Prohibition Ordinance (EWKVerbotsV) is another legal requirement that aims to promote more responsible use of disposable packaging. The law has been in force since 2021 and bans certain single-use plastic products, including cutlery, drinking straws and packaging made from EPS, in order to protect the environment. NatureStar by Franz Mensch offers sustainable alternatives made from sugar cane, paper, wood and other natural materials. The brand develops high-quality and innovative products, such as compostable gloves and aprons, especially for catering and events.

Single-use plastic labelling ordinance

The so-called EWKKennzV has been in force since 2021 and contributes to greater transparency in dealing with single-use products and their disposal. Some products that contain plastic but have no obvious alternative must be labelled in accordance with the Single-Use Plastics Act. This labelling helps consumers to dispose of the products correctly. This applies, for example, to beverage cups with a plastic coating, hygiene products such as tampons and wet wipes as well as tobacco filters with plastic components.

Plastic-free alternatives for a greener future

Franz Mensch is committed to sustainable solutions and is continuously developing products that reduce or eliminate the use of plastic. With our NatureStar brand, we offer a wide range of environmentally friendly products, including the Only Paper range, which is completely plastic-free. We are actively committed to reducing waste and supporting our customers in making environmentally conscious choices. For more information on our sustainability initiatives, please visit our sustainability page.