The new plastic tax in Germany could significantly impact the wallets of ordinary consumers. After lengthy negotiations, the ruling coalition presented the new budget for 2024, which requires cutting expenditures by 17 billion euros.
Related topic: How to make plastic sustainable
Despite this, they are not willing to deviate from their goals, including fiscal restraint. The measures implemented include a new tax on plastic packaging for companies, which is likely to affect consumers as well.
How the new plastic tax in Germany will affect prices in stores
The European Union introduced a tax of 80 cents for every kilogram of non-recyclable plastic in 2021.
Germany previously financed this tax through the state budget, contributing approximately 1.4 billion euros to the EU in recent years.
With the new tax, these costs will be directly transferred to plastic producers, aligning with practices in other EU member states. The objective is to encourage companies to use less plastic and rely more on recycled materials.
The plastic industry criticizes these plans.
Ingemar Bühler of the association "PlasticsEurope" spoke to BILD.de about the "discrimination against plastic," arguing that it does not lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions or better environmental protection.
BILD schreibt: Ampel einigt sich auf neuen Haushalt. Tanken und Heizen teurer! Jetzt soll auch noch Plastik besteuert werden. 👎 #Plastiksteuer https://t.co/MdM3waecY2
— PlasticsEurope DE (@PlasticsEuropeD) December 13, 2023
According to the 2019 Plastic Atlas, the plastic tax is estimated to cost the average German resident 30.40 euros per year. This assumes that plastic producers will directly pass the tax on to consumers.
The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs notes on the X website (formerly Twitter) that they are not obligated to pass on the tax 1:1. It is likely that end consumers will also notice this in the form of price increases, such as on food products in plastic packaging.
According to DPA, the Federal Ministry of Finance, on the contrary, speaks of a "relief for taxpayers" because this levy will no longer have to be financed through taxes.
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The new plastic tax in Germany, aimed at encouraging less plastic usage and promoting recycled materials, may lead to increased expenses for consumers due to price increases in stores. This could result in an additional cost of approximately 30.40 euros per year for the average German resident, based on the 2019 Plastic Atlas estimates.
Life in Germany might be influenced by the new plastic tax, with potential changes in consumer spending habits and prices, especially on food products packaged in plastic.
