The packaging industry in Germany - statistics & facts
It's everywhere. Most often, packaging materials used in the industry are paper, plastic, glass, metal and wood. Packaging varies greatly in size, shape and amounts used. In 2022, around 46 percent of the revenue generated in the industry was due to paper packaging, followed by plastic. Both materials are encountered frequently at consumer level. A purchase made online typically arrives in a cardboard box. The contents may be further encased in or enfolded by layers of paper or cellophane. This provides additional stability and protection, simultaneously creating an additional recycling task and extra waste. Plastic packaging material groups include foil, cups, jars, crates, as well as barrels and canisters. The majority of businesses in the industry dealt with paper and cardboard packaging.
In order to manage waste created by discarded packaging and minimize using natural resources for its production, a structured recycling system, supported by law, is intrinsically tied to packaging consumption. In fact, one of the things Germany is best known for abroad is its waste separating in order to facilitate proper recycling. Recycling rates have remained high, amounting to around 84 percent in 2022. While recycling options differ by federal state, city or even district, most households and business establishments can find a large recycling container for paper and cardboard nearby. Glass containers can also be recycled this way. In some cases consumers may also have access to a container for plastic packaging. Simultaneously, Germany is among the leading exporters of plastic waste worldwide. Out of sight, out of mind? Perhaps, but subsequent arising risks include various types of pollution affecting the environment, people and animals in a major way where the plastic ultimately lands, whether by air, land or water. Recycling becomes more complicated across borders.
The packaging industry in Germany is part of nearly every consumer experience. From receiving packages in the mail to buying packaged goods in the supermarket during regular grocery shopping sessions, packaging is basically unavoidable. It is a way to ensure goods stay safe and in the right condition when stored, transported and consumed. Packaging is a necessity, but also an industry which contributes to waste and sustainability issues, especially through using plastic. The production of packaging also places further pressure on the environment, which makes green solutions even more important. In fact, 49 percent of respondents to a survey conducted in Germany stated they saw the need for eco-friendly packaging.
In order to manage waste created by discarded packaging and minimize using natural resources for its production, a structured recycling system, supported by law, is intrinsically tied to packaging consumption. In fact, one of the things Germany is best known for abroad is its waste separating in order to facilitate proper recycling. Recycling rates have remained high, amounting to around 84 percent in 2022. While recycling options differ by federal state, city or even district, most households and business establishments can find a large recycling container for paper and cardboard nearby. Glass containers can also be recycled this way. In some cases consumers may also have access to a container for plastic packaging. Simultaneously, Germany is among the leading exporters of plastic waste worldwide. Out of sight, out of mind? Perhaps, but subsequent arising risks include various types of pollution affecting the environment, people and animals in a major way where the plastic ultimately lands, whether by air, land or water. Recycling becomes more complicated across borders.
The packaging industry in Germany is part of nearly every consumer experience. From receiving packages in the mail to buying packaged goods in the supermarket during regular grocery shopping sessions, packaging is basically unavoidable. It is a way to ensure goods stay safe and in the right condition when stored, transported and consumed. Packaging is a necessity, but also an industry which contributes to waste and sustainability issues, especially through using plastic. The production of packaging also places further pressure on the environment, which makes green solutions even more important. In fact, 49 percent of respondents to a survey conducted in Germany stated they saw the need for eco-friendly packaging.
