Unverpackt e.V.: Packaging-free shopping at Biofach 2025
The association Unverpackt e.V. has been campaigning for sustainable, packaging-free shopping since 2018. Originating from a research project, the association pools the interests and activities of unpackaged stores in Germany in order to jointly combat the dominance of the packaging industry. Despite strong economic and political resistance, the movement is growing continuously and is focusing on the problem of plastic pollution and its global consequences.
A strong movement against packaging waste
The packaging industry is a firmly established sector with enormous influence. While plastic pollution is a globally recognized problem, the issue is often ignored by the public. Verband Unverpackt e.V. is actively working to make the negative effects of plastic packaging visible - not only in terms of environmental pollution, but also in relation to microplastics, which have been proven to end up in the food chain and in the human body. A central aspect of the association's work is educational work. Unpackaged stores not only serve as alternative places to shop, but also as educational centers where consumers are informed about the ecological and health consequences of packaging waste. The association also campaigns for political changes to promote sustainable concepts in the retail sector and the entire supply chain.
Reusable as a solution for the future
In addition to unpackaged shopping for end consumers, Unverpackt e.V. is working intensively on sustainable solutions along the entire supply chain. The reusable system plays a decisive role here. Packaging is not only a problem in the retail trade, but also arises on the way from the producer to the point of sale. The association is committed to ensuring that large containers and transport packaging are also made more sustainable - whether through reuse or the use of alternative materials. The focus here is on promoting reusable solutions, as even recyclable packaging consumes valuable resources during production. The aim is to avoid packaging material wherever possible instead of simply optimizing subsequent recycling processes.
Educational work and innovations for a packaging-free future
Unverpackt e.V. not only works to represent political interests, but is also actively involved in educational work. With its own digital magazine, current developments, sustainable solutions and new findings on the topic of packaging waste are made accessible to a wide audience. The association is particularly active in schools and kindergartens to raise awareness of sustainable consumer behavior at an early stage. Although the challenges are great, the unpackaged movement continues to grow. The association shows that unpackaged shopping is not only ecologically sensible, but often also cheaper than conventional products. Through targeted campaigns, networking and the continuous promotion of innovation, Unverpackt e.V. is helping to ensure that resource-conserving shopping is firmly established in society.
What does the association Unverpackt e.V. do?
Unverpackt e. V. is the industry association for unpackaged stores in Germany and the German-speaking EU. Founded in Nuremberg in April 2018, the association represents the idealistic, legal, economic, labor market and socio-political interests of its members. Its main concerns are avoiding waste by reducing packaging waste, protecting resources through sustainable business practices and promoting trade for the common good without exploitation and child labor. The association works closely with supporting members and cooperation partners who share its values and goals. Website of the company: www.unverpackt-verband.de
