Germany to introduce a ban on plastic bags

The German government wants to introduce a ban on certain plastic carrier bags, according to draft legislation published by the Ministry for the Environment (BMU). The ban is intended to further improve resource efficiency in Germany and to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags. Ultra-lightweight bags with a thickness of less than 15 µm used for carrying fruit and vegetables will be exempt from the ban.

In parallel, the BMU is also working on a recast of the Circular Economy Law to implement the requirements of the European Waste Framework Directive which was amended last year. The aims of this recast are to achieve the higher recycling rates set out in the amended Waste Framework Directive and to define key measures to promote the circular economy, enhance resource protection and waste prevention, and implement new rules on separate collections.

Both drafts will need to be officially approved by the German government and parliament.