Packaging tax debate: Tettnang follows Tübingen on the environmental path!

Packaging tax debate: Tettnang follows Tübingen on the environmental path!

An important discussion is on the agenda in Tettnang. On July 10th, i.e. in a few days, the local council will vote on the introduction of a packaging tax, which is up for debate at the request of the Greens. These tax regulations on packaging waste are intended to help promote more environmentally friendly alternatives and curb plastic consumption. In this context, it is worth taking a look at the experiences of the university town of Tübingen, which has introduced such a tax since January 1, 2022. The regulations there were declared legal by the Federal Constitutional Court at the end of 2024, which gives the city a certain pioneering role, while cities like Friedrichshafen have rejected such a measure. Schwäbische.de reports that the planned introduction is causing discussions among citizens and companies.

Tübingen charges 50 cents net for disposable packaging for coffee cups and chip trays and 20 cents for disposable cutlery. The outlets that offer food and drinks in disposable format are directly affected by this tax. What companies in Tettnang have to prepare for is the need to keep interim reports and evidence of the use of the packaging. This not only provides information about the effectiveness of the tax, but can also further burden the company's bureaucracy, as a study shows. The discussion about the necessity of the packaging tax goes hand in hand with the question of how useful these regulations are when other financing instruments already exist. Tuebingen.de offers extensive information for companies.

Bureaucracy and burdens for companies

The challenges should not be underestimated: Small and medium-sized businesses are already feeling the bureaucratic burden - on average, companies in the hospitality industry spend, for example, 14 hours per week on legal regulations. The IHK has also expressed concerns that the new regulations will entail additional administrative effort, particularly for restaurants and retailers. The variety of municipal regulations makes it particularly difficult, and companies have to adapt to different statutes and tax rates. Dihk.de highlights that the lack of clarity about the effectiveness of the tax in reducing waste calls such measures into question.

In Tübingen, for example, funding materials are also made available to make the transition easier for those affected. The regulations are the focus of local politics and could soon be up for discussion in cities such as Heidelberg and Freiburg. Ultimately, dialogue between politics, administration and business is required in order to find pragmatic solutions that meaningfully accompany the packaging tax approach.

Christmas in July?

In addition to this legal-political debate, there are also numerous events on the program in Tettnang. Giora Feidmann's concert, which was originally planned for June 25th, will be rescheduled for July 8th. There will also be an event organized by the Wangen-Isny Lions Club on July 13th that will showcase local commitment. The hockete at the Eselmühle provides variety, while the fountain festival in Karsee begins on the same day with musical accompaniment and a special fountain can even serve beer. And those who don't go on the boat have the opportunity to win valuable prizes in the duck race. Special highlights are also the Guelph Festival in Weingarten from July 11th to 15th and the big parade on July 14th as the crowning conclusion of the celebrations.