Resource policy instrument mix to avoid packaging waste

Although consumers are more aware of the need to reduce packaging waste and more action is being taken at political and economic levels, significant progress has not been made in reducing packaging waste. In recent years, packaging waste even increased in Germany.

The reasons for this include, among other things, changing patterns of life and consumption and a change in socio-demographic structures. One of the main political causes is the lack of a consistent policy framework that focuses on resource-efficient waste prevention. Furthermore, from a resource policy point of view, a reduction in packaging, for example in the food retailing sector, can lead to an increased emergence of food waste and thus prevent the goal of resource efficiency. This should be taken into account when selecting suitable policy instruments.