Cologne in the plastic fight: Initiatives call for a quick tax on disposable packaging!

Cologne in the plastic fight: Initiatives call for a quick tax on disposable packaging!

Cologne is about to take an important step towards sustainability! In February 2025, the city council passed a tax on disposable packaging, which is now being vehemently demanded by numerous Cologne initiatives. Over twelve groups, including renowned organizations such as NABU, BUND, Greenpeace, Zero Waste, KRAKE and the Alliance for Municipal Sustainability Cologne, are working together to quickly advance the introduction of this tax. Radio Cologne reports that the initiative is based on the successful model of the city of Tübingen, which has been levying such a tax since the beginning of 2022.

In Cologne, an impressive 77 million disposable cups and 60 million food packaging are generated every year, which often end up as trash in public areas. These frightening figures underline the urgency with which the initiatives want to act. In Tübingen, where the packaging tax was introduced, there is already an encouraging trend: waste in public areas has decreased significantly. This could also be possible in Cologne if the tax comes into force quickly.

The Tübingen model

The city of Tübingen has taken an important pioneering role with its packaging tax, which has been in effect since January 1, 2022. All points of sale of disposable packaging as well as disposable tableware and cutlery that are offered for immediate consumption or to take away are affected. The tax is 0.50 euros net for coffee cups and other disposable packaging and 0.20 euros for disposable cutlery. These clear guidelines show how locally acting taxes can reduce waste volumes. The city of Tübingen also offers information materials for companies to make implementation easier. Tübingen.de has helpful resources and funding opportunities available.

A look beyond national borders: From 2025, the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) will come into force across Europe, which regulates the minimum proportion of recycled material for plastic packaging. Municipalities in Germany will then also be allowed to levy local packaging taxes. This was confirmed by a decision of the Federal Constitutional Court in January 2025. The legality of such taxes has thus been strengthened, opening up new opportunities for cities such as Cologne and Tübingen to reduce waste. EY.com emphasizes that such regulations should also promote the circular economy.

A step in the right direction?

The local initiatives in Cologne hope that through their efforts the packaging tax will be implemented quickly. They argue that it is high time to promote environmentally friendly alternatives to the mass use of single-use packaging. Ultimately, such concrete measures make a valuable contribution to reducing waste and protecting our environment.

The city of Cologne says that the next steps to introduce the packaging tax are being planned. It remains to be seen whether the city will follow suit to pave the way for a more sustainable future. Because one thing is certain: together we can change the world to some extent!