Design and implementation options for a recycling label: scope of application, criteria, target groups and certification process as well as legal framework conditions

The recycling label project for the UBA is intended to explore the possibilities and limits of introducing labelling for products with regard to their recyclability and recycled content and to carry out a feasibility study for a concrete, practically implementable concept for a recycling label. Firstly, a scientifically sound analysis and assessment of which product groups is conducted and, if applicable, includes which substances/materials should be labelled with regard to their recyclability and recycled content and whether this is feasible in Germany in the short to medium term. The aim is also to evaluate the extent to which there are sufficient prospects of success for these labels to make an effective contribution to strengthening the circular economy. A concept for the introduction of a recycling label is be presented, including a detailed description of the steps required to implement the concept, the stakeholders to be involved and the basic organisational, institutional and legal requirements that may need to be created.