Ludwigshafen discusses packaging tax: Open debate required!

Ludwigshafen discusses packaging tax: Open debate required!

The introduction of a packaging tax is being hotly debated in Ludwigshafen. The Free Voters' Group Ludwigshafen (FWG) has taken a clear position and welcomes the city's examination of this measure. In the opinion of the FWG, it is important that the discussion about the tax is conducted openly and objectively, without hasty determinations. The aim is to include all arguments and perspectives in order to make a well-founded decision for Ludwigshafen that ultimately serves the interests of all citizens. The FWG hopes that experiences from other cities, such as Tübingen, can also be incorporated into the considerations. This tax has already been successfully introduced in Tübingen and the Federal Constitutional Court has rejected a constitutional complaint against it, opening the door for other municipalities to implement similar taxes.

Tübingen has been charging a packaging tax since January 1, 2022, which amounts to 0.50 euros for disposable packaging and disposable tableware and 0.20 euros for disposable cutlery. These amounts are net and subject to sales tax. Restaurateurs and retailers who offer food and drinks in disposable packaging are required to pay. Recently it has been shown that the introduction of this tax has led to a decrease in single-use packaging and a sharp increase in the use of reusable packaging. According to reports, the number of restaurateurs offering such packaging has quadrupled. The income from this tax is used for waste disposal and environmental protection measures, which enables the city to save up to 700,000 euros annually on waste disposal.

Open dialogue is required

The FWG in Ludwigshafen has emphasized that the administration should present a detailed proposal for the packaging tax after its examination. This is particularly important because the city has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account when developing possible solutions. The aim of the FWG is a respectful and open dialogue. They take the concerns and suggestions from the public seriously and consider them valuable. The FWG is convinced that the best solution can only be found together with the administration, business, politics and citizens.

The discussion about the packaging tax raises many questions that also generate critical tones in the economy. The German Association of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) warns that the tax represents an additional bureaucratic burden for companies, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. These have to adapt to different municipal statutes, which leads to avoidable additional costs. In addition, it may be unclear to what extent this tax actually contributes to waste prevention, as there is no statutory earmarking of the revenue. Positive incentives for reusable packaging and the expansion of corresponding return and cleaning structures are therefore required.

In the metropolitan district of Tübingen, the packaging tax is proving to be successful in reducing waste and promoting sustainable alternatives. The FWG in Ludwigshafen is optimistic and wants to support the results of the upcoming audit constructively. In the end, a balanced, practical solution should be created that is in the best interests of all citizens of Ludwigshafen.

While the discussions about the packaging tax continue, it remains to be seen how Ludwigshafen will master the balancing act between environmental protection and economic resilience. However, one thing is clear: dialogue is essential in this process.

For further information on the experiences in Tübingen, kommunal.de reports that the city is working successfully with the packaging tax, while [Dihk.de highlights](https://www.dihk.de/de/aktuelles-und-presse/tdw/kommunale- Verpackungssteuer-eine-neue-zusaetzliche-last-133116) that other cities are discussing similar measures.

For the current discussion surrounding the city of Ludwigshafen and the packaging tax, [mrn-news.de explains](https://www.mrn-news.de/2025/07/13/ludwigshafen- Verpackungssteuer-sachliche-pruefung-im-interest-der-stadt-fwg-ludwigshafen-plaediert-fuer-suchesoffene-debatte-593483/) that the FWG is in favor of uses a transparent process.