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The general assembly opposes additional burdens for companies and customers
The general assembly of the Darmstadt Rhine-Main-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) has clearly rejected the introduction of a municipal packaging tax in southern Hesse at its most recent meeting. This decision stems from current discussions, including those taking place in Darmstadt.
“We reject a municipal packaging tax,” emphasizes Ulrike Jakobi , Vice President of the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce. “The salad at the deli counter or the coffee on the way to work would be affected. Customers would find the price increases incomprehensible – and this lack of understanding would ultimately fall on us and our employees.”
Robert Lippmann, CEO of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), also views the introduction critically: "The packaging tax would drive up costs for both companies and municipalities." In addition to adjustments to cash register systems and employee training, additional administrative costs would arise, for example, through audits and inspections. "It's questionable whether municipalities would actually generate any significant additional revenue as a result. What is certain, however, is the increased bureaucratic burden – and this at a time when relief measures are being promised."
Doubts about effectiveness and fairness
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) also points to a lack of evidence for an ecological impact. "We, too, want clean parks and city centers," says Jakobi. "But a look at Tübingen, where the tax has been in effect since 2022, shows that the hoped-for reduction in single-use packaging waste has so far failed to materialize."
Lippmann also warns of competitive disadvantages: "A municipal packaging tax creates isolated solutions and puts businesses in municipalities that levy it at a disadvantage. Companies operating across regions are confronted with a patchwork of regulations."
Position paper adopted
The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) general assembly approved the motion and the position paper "Municipal Packaging Tax – Burden Instead of Solution" . The paper states that neither a clear ecological impact nor implementation without significant bureaucracy is apparent.
background
Since 2022, Tübingen has levied a tax on all food and beverages in single-use packaging. After years of legal proceedings, the Federal Constitutional Court upheld its legality in January 2025. Since then, more and more municipalities across Germany, including in southern Hesse, have been addressing the issue. Darmstadt is currently engaged in intensive discussions about implementing such a tax.
(Darmstadt - Red/IHK)
