Environmental and Consumer Protection Spokeswoman for the Green Faction, Linda Heitmann, hopes that other cities will follow the example of Tübingen and introduce a packaging tax. “I’m happy about the ruling because it means from now on there’s no excuse for municipalities not to deal with the packaging waste problem” Heitmann said to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” (Thursday edition).
She added that the Tübingen model of the packaging tax should set an example and quickly find imitators. Currently, it is difficult for consumers to use reusable packaging because many restaurants and cafes do not comply with the obligation to offer reusable options, argued the Green politician.
“A better enforcement of existing rules together with a flat-rate packaging tax offers the big chance to significantly reduce the massive mountain of packaging waste that often remains on the street or in parks” Heitmann said.
She also criticized her former coalition partner, stating, “Unfortunately, the FDP in the Bundestag has prevented us from making progress on the federal level” referring to the outline of a law to reduce packaging waste, which Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke had put forward. “We remain open to implementing these proposals in the Bundestag” she said.
The chief executive of the German Hotel and Restaurant Association, Dehoga, Ingrid Hartges, has criticized the Tübingen packaging tax and called for alternative incentives to reduce packaging waste. “Our credo is: persuasion instead of tax” Hartges said to the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland”.
“The Dehoga rejects a packaging tax on disposable packaging. Instead, we focus on constructive and attractive solutions for reusable packaging, which increases acceptance among guests and companies and boosts demand” Hartges said.
She appealed, “People don’t need additional costs, but need to be convinced about the benefits of using reusable containers. Consumer awareness must be sharpened in general.