Denmark
Denmark has a well-developed waste management system focused on recycling, reuse, and energy recovery. The country follows the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring producers to take responsibility for the packaging they place on the market. This approach helps ensure proper waste collection, sorting, and recycling while encouraging more sustainable packaging solutions.
A political agreement from September 2022 laid the groundwork for a new EPR system for packaging, set to be implemented in January 2025. Under this system, producers will bear the full costs of managing packaging waste, shifting the responsibility from municipalities to businesses. Denmark has seven Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) working to support this transition and improve waste handling processes.
These efforts align with Denmark’s broader environmental goals, aiming to reduce waste, increase recycling rates, and create a more circular economy in line with EU regulations.
Legal basis
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Denmark’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, shifting the responsibility for packaging waste from consumers and municipalities to producers and importers. However, companies covered by the new rules must already register and report their estimated packaging quantities for 2024.
The main objective of EPR is to reduce packaging waste, improve collection and recycling systems, and encourage businesses to design more sustainable packaging with a focus on prevention, reuse, and recycling—ultimately working toward a circular economy. Under the new system, around 41,000 Danish companies will be affected, with an estimated 961,000 tons of packaging waste per year managed under EPR. Additionally, at least DKK 2.3 billion in costs will shift from consumers to producers.
All types of packaging—except those covered by Denmark’s deposit system—are included in the scheme, regardless of industry or purpose. Businesses placing packaged products on the Danish market must ensure compliance. Companies can streamline their registration and reporting through VANA’s Member Portal, ensuring they meet legal obligations efficiently.
Facts and figures
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Denmark generates approximately 845 kg of municipal waste per capita annually, one of the highest levels in Europe. Despite this, the country has made significant progress in waste management, with a recycling rate of around 49% and less than 1% of waste sent to landfill. Instead, about 50% of municipal waste is used for energy recovery through incineration. To further improve waste management and promote circular economy principles, Denmark will implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging on October 1, 2025. The companies will register and report their estimated packaging quantities for 2024, ensuring accountability throughout the entire lifecycle of packaging. With 961,000 tons of packaging waste expected annually under EPR, the system aims to reduce waste, enhance recycling, and incentivize eco-friendly packaging design, ultimately closing the loop on packaging materials in Denmark.
Packaging organisation/s in Denmark:
