Fed Minister's Stollen Demands Relief: Bakers Cry Foul Over Packaging Regulations and Knowledge Requirements

The Bakers' Confederation of Germany recently met with Federal Minister Alois Rainer on September 2, 2025, to discuss pressing issues affecting the baking industry.

During the meeting, Roland Ermer, President of the Bakers' Confederation, presented a traditional German stollen to the Minister, symbolising the industry's concern over the obligation to pay for plastic bags. The Minister described the requirement as absurd.

One of the main topics of discussion was the Federal Environment Agency's decision to include plastic bags of a 750-gram stollen in the Single-Use Plastics Act, a decision that the Bakers' Confederation has objected to. However, it was noted that the Confederation has not provided a sample letter to file an objection with the Agency in this conversation.

The Bakers' Confederation also expressed frustration about the EU Deforestation Regulation, urging the Minister to advocate for a one-year extension and to address the practical solutions needed to relieve small and medium-sized enterprises from costly verification and reporting obligations.

Ermer stated that classifying a Christmas stollen as a disposable snack contradicts consumer habits and brings new bureaucratic burdens, incurring additional costs. He also expressed that the discussion is causing great resentment in the baking industry.

In response, Federal Minister Rainer agreed with the concerns of the Bakers' Confederation and other sectors and assured them that he would address their demands. He further agreed to request an extension of the EU Deforestation Regulation by one year and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, he agreed to request the Federal Ministry for the Environment to reverse the decision regarding the plastic bags of a 750-gram stollen.

The Bakers' Confederation has provided its member businesses with a sample letter to file an objection with the Federal Environment Agency, but it has not been mentioned whether this was discussed in the meeting.

Federal Minister Rainer reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the food industry in the coming years, and the Bakers' Confederation appreciated his understanding and support. The Confederation's website, accessible at www.baeckerhandwerk.de, provides more information about the organisation and its concerns.

Fed Minister's Stollen Demands Relief: Bakers Cry Foul Over Packaging Regulations and Knowledge Requirements