Expert Committees

The ZSVR must consider the opinions of stakeholders in specific situations. This is usually done through written consultations. This approach ensures a high degree of transparency for both the German Environment Agency, which oversees the Foundation legally and technically, and the German Federal Cartel Office, whose agreement is required under certain circumstances.

If the Board of Trustees approves, the Management Board and its Chair may also assemble Expert Committees to take advantage of the specialist expertise companies can provide. These Expert Committees are never involved in making legal classifications or decisions.

All the Expert Committees are assembled for limited terms, as required by and agreed with the German Federal Cartel Office.

The members of the Expert Committees are chosen at the discretion of the Management Board and its Chair according to technical expertise, which may vary between committees. In the Expert Committees currently in place, nominating rights are exercised by producers and distributors as defined in section 24 (1) VerpackG (Packaging Act), by other parties under obligation (e.g. systems via the clearing house) or technical experts (e.g. companies and associates for certain types of materials), among others. The Management Board of the ZSVR and its Chair also have discretion to decide whether third parties (guests) may take part in Expert Committee meetings.