Der Grüne Punkt

What Der Grüne Punkt does

Der Grüne Punkt, founded in Cologne in 1990, operates the world's first dual system for end-consumer-near collection and high-quality recycling of sales packaging in Germany. The company licences sales, transport and commercial packaging on behalf of manufacturers, importers and distributors that must comply with the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), and additionally operates Design4Recycling consulting, the DigiDot QR-based consumer sorting guide, the DoCgo PPWR Declaration of Conformity tool and an authorised representative service via Green Dot Rep GmbH for non-EU manufacturers.

Its recycling infrastructure is anchored by wholly-owned subsidiaries Systec Plastics GmbH (Hörstel, PP recyclate) and Systec Plastics Eisfeld GmbH (LDPE recyclate, ~28,000 tonnes/year capacity), which produce the proprietary Systalen brand of high-purity post-consumer recyclates (rLDPE 1.0/2.0/3.0, rPP variants) carrying RAL, EUCertPlast, RecyClass and ISCC PLUS certifications. Der Grüne Punkt is also building the LARS (Large Advanced Recycling Site) chemical recycling plant with EUR 50 million in EU Innovation Fund support, designed to pre-treat 100 kt/year of mixed plastic waste into over 40 kt/year of pyrolysis oil for circular polymer production. The company is one of Europe's largest traders of secondary raw materials (metals, glass, plastics) recovered from household collections.

Revenue is generated through three streams: licensing/royalty fees from packaging participation (the core EPR business), sales of Systalen recyclates to plastics converters, and logistics/transaction-fee revenue from secondary raw material trading. Distribution combines a self-serve online licensing platform (VerpackGO), inside sales via customer portal and phone support, and an international channel through PRO Europe, which licenses the globally protected Green Dot trademark to qualified foreign collection and recycling systems. Since August 2022, Der Grüne Punkt has been owned by Circular Resources Sàrl, and is led by CEO Laurent Auguste.

Name

Der Grüne Punkt

Legal name

Der Grüne Punkt Holding GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://gruener-punkt.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Der Grüne Punkt is the German operator of the world's first dual packaging-recycling system, licensing sales packaging for EPR compliance and producing certified Systalen post-consumer recyclates and secondary raw materials for European manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Packaging Recycling and EPR Compliance Services

NAICS

Materials Recovery Facilities (56292), Recyclable Material Merchant Wholesalers (423930), Packaging and Labeling Services (561910)

akta.pro primary industry

Packaging Waste Sorting & Recycling Technologies (Mechanical/Chemical Recycling, Sorting Systems) (IMALAMAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Recycled-Content Plastic Packaging (rPET, rHDPE, rPP) (IMALAMAC), Packaging Recovery & Closed-Loop Programs (Take-Back, Deposit-Return, EPR Support) (IMALAMAF), Mono-Material & Recyclability-Designed Packaging (Design-for-Recycling, Barrier Alternatives) (IMALAMAD)

Keywords

• Packaging licensing
• Dual system recycling
• Post-consumer recyclate
• Recycled plastic granules
• Extended producer responsibility

Headquarters

HQ city

Köln

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Packaging licensing fees: Manufacturers, importers, and distributors pay licensing fees to participate in the dual system (Der Grüne Punkt) to fulfil their obligation under the German Packaging Act (VerpackG). Fees are typically based on volume and weight of packaging placed on the market.
2. Systalen Recyclate sales: Sale of high-quality recycled plastic granules (Systalen brand) to manufacturers for use in new products, generated from post-consumer plastics collected via the dual system.
3. Logistics and raw material trading: Der Grüne Punkt acts as one of Europe's largest raw material traders, marketing metals, glass, plastics and other materials from post-consumer collections, along with associated logistics services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Der Grüne Punkt operates Germany's first and largest dual system for sales packaging take-back and recycling, providing B2B packaging licensing services that allow manufacturers, importers and distributors to fulfil Extended Producer Responsibility obligations under the German Packaging Act (VerpackG) and the EU PPWR. Beyond licensing, the company runs two production facilities producing Systalen high-purity recycled plastic granules (rLDPE, rPP) from post-consumer packaging collected via the Gelbe Tonne and Gelber Sack, and sells these Systalen recyclates to plastics manufacturers as a circular alternative to virgin plastic.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Systalen: Brand for high-quality post-consumer recyclate granules, compounds and other recyclates from polyolefinic plastics in premium quality, produced from haushaltsnahe Sammlung (Gelbe Tonne & Gelber Sack).
• VerpackGO
• Design4Recycling (D4R)
• DigiDot
• DoCgo

Products and services

• VerpackGO - Online Packaging Licensing Platform Self-serve online platform for manufacturers, importers and distributors to license packaging at the dual system; covers sales packaging, transport packaging and one-way deposit items. Pricing is based on packaging type, volume and weight. For SMB and mid-market customers in Germany.
• Systalen Recycled Plastic Granules High-purity post-consumer recycled granules, compounds and other recyclates made from polyolefinic plastics (LDPE, PP) sourced from the Gelbe Tonne and Gelber Sack. Includes rLDPE 1.0 (standard), rLDPE 2.0 (fine-filtered), rLDPE 3.0 (fine-filtered and odour-reduced), and PP variants in grey and black. Certified by EUCertPlast, RAL Gütezeichen, RecyClass and ISCC PLUS. For plastics manufacturers and converters using injection moulding, blow moulding and extrusion applications.
• Design4Recycling (D4R) Consulting Service Consulting service for designing packaging optimised for recycling, including recyclability assessment in collaboration with Institut cyclos-HTP, workshops, and certification of packaging recyclability. For packaging designers, brand owners and manufacturers seeking to optimise packaging design for recyclability and meet PPWR requirements.
• DoCgo Declaration of Conformity Tool User-friendly Declaration of Conformity tool that guides users through creating a complete EU Declaration of Conformity in five simple steps for PPWR compliance. Available at €490 net per calendar year with a free 2-working-day trial. For manufacturers and packaging producers needing PPWR compliance documentation.
• DigiDot QR Sorting Guide QR-code-based sorting guide for packaging. Consumers scan the DigiDot on packaging to receive disposal instructions. Expanded from Germany to EU-wide coverage. For brand owners and packaging producers seeking to provide consumer sorting guidance.
• Green Dot Rep Authorized Representative Service Authorized representative service for EPR compliance under PPWR for producers from other EU member states and third countries. Allows manufacturers without a German establishment to fulfil their EPR obligations in Germany via Green Dot Rep GmbH.
• Raw Material Trading and Logistics Services One of Europe's largest raw material trading operations, marketing metals, glass, plastics and other materials predominantly from post-consumer collections, along with associated logistics services.
• LARS (Large Advanced Recycling Site) Chemical Recycling Patented chemical recycling technology for converting mixed plastic waste into pyrolysis oil through integrated pre-treatment and chemical recycling. The LARS plant will produce over 40,000 tonnes per year of pyrolysis oil as feedstock for circular polymer production. Expected to avoid 1.75 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent in first 10 years of operation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Expected 1.75 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent avoided in first 10 years of LARS operation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Anviplas SpaincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026GreenDot strengthened its European leadership in high-quality LDPE recycling by integrating Anviplas Spain. The strategic expansion in Catalonia enhances resilience, scale effects and circularity across Europe, adding Anviplas's capacity and expertise to GreenDot's LDPE recycling network.
• osapienscoreTechnology or Integration · 9 June 2026GreenDot and osapiens entered a strategic partnership to develop the first integrated AI platform for EPR compliance under the PPWR in Europe. This platform will help manufacturers manage their Extended Producer Responsibility obligations using AI-driven data management.
• ARA (Altstoff Recycling Austria)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2023ARA, Bernegger and Der Grüne Punkt partnered for the Sort4cycle project - a groundbreaking initiative setting a new standard for Europe's circular economy. Spatenstich (groundbreaking) took place in March 2023 for what will be Europe's most modern sorting plant.
• Circular Resources SàrlcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 August 2022Circular Resources Sàrl acquired Der Grüne Punkt in August 2022 to create the first integrated solution combining mechanical and chemical recycling at industrial scale. This strategic acquisition positions Der Grüne Punkt within a broader circular economy ecosystem.
• Bernegger GruppecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with ARA and Der Grüne Punkt in the Sort4cycle project for building Europe's most modern sorting plant for plastics.
• NestléminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNestlé, Tchibo, Veolia and Der Grüne Punkt formed a joint initiative to increase capsule recycling rates in Germany, working together across the value chain.
• TchibominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the joint capsule recycling initiative with Nestlé, Veolia and Der Grüne Punkt.
• VeoliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the joint capsule recycling initiative with Nestlé, Tchibo and Der Grüne Punkt.
• PelikanminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCooperation with Pelikan resulted in the launch of the SUPER PIRAT eco ink eraser consisting of 70% recycled plastic from Gelber Sack and Gelbe Tonne, setting new standards in recycling for stationery products.
• PRO EuropecoreOthersDer Grüne Punkt is a member of PRO Europe (S.P.R.L.), the umbrella organisation that licenses the 'Der Grüne Punkt' brand to qualified foreign collection and recycling systems.
• University of PaderbornminorOthersEducational partnership: students from the plastics technology department visit Systec Plastics GmbH in Hörstel to learn about modern recycling technology for plastics from the Gelber Sack.
• RONDO FOODminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRONDO FOOD (Krefeld pet food manufacturer) chose the D4R in-house workshop with Der Grüne Punkt for face-to-face, individual packaging optimisation consulting.
• GRI Glasrecycling GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDer Grüne Punkt staff visited GRI Glasrecycling GmbH in Dormagen for practical insights into modern glass recycling operations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Interseroh: Interseroh is one of Germany's leading dual systems operating packaging licensing under the German Packaging Act, offering collection, sorting and recycling of sales packaging. Direct head-to-head competitor to Der Grüne Punkt in German EPR licensing.
• Veolia Environment: Veolia operates waste management and recycling services across Europe, including plastics recovery and joint EPR initiatives (e.g., capsule recycling with Der Grüne Punkt). Comparable as a pan-European integrated waste and recycling operator with B2B EPR exposure.
• ALPLA Group: ALPLA is a global packaging manufacturer investing heavily in recycled plastics (rPET, rHDPE) and recycling facilities. Comparable as a downstream buyer and producer of recycled-content plastic packaging using post-consumer streams.
• ARA (Altstoff Recycling Austria): ARA is Austria's leading packaging recycling system and a Sort4cycle co-development partner with Der Grüne Punkt. Comparable as a national dual system operator with EPR licensing and recycling infrastructure.

Emerging players

• TOMRA: TOMRA provides sensor-based sorting technology for recycling and waste streams, including the optical sorters used in modern MRFs. Comparable as a technology provider in plastics sorting/recycling and partner to Sort4cycle-style projects.

Broad incumbents

• Remondis: Remondis is one of the largest privately held recycling and waste management companies worldwide, with deep operations across Europe in collection, sorting and materials recovery. Comparable as a broad incumbent operating competing MRF and EPR-adjacent infrastructure.
• PreZero (Schwarz Group): PreZero is the environmental and recycling arm of Schwarz Group operating across Europe in waste management, sorting and recycled materials. Comparable as a large integrated recycling player with EPR licensing capabilities in multiple EU markets.
• Borealis (Borouge / Borcycle): Borealis is a major polyolefin producer with Borcycle, its mechanical and chemical recycling portfolio producing recycled PP and PE grades. Comparable as a large-scale buyer and producer competing for recycled-polyolefin market share with Systalen.
• LyondellBasell (Circulen): LyondellBasell operates the Circulen family of recycled and renewable-based polymers, including mechanically and chemically recycled polyolefins. Comparable as a global incumbent with chemical-recycling ambitions overlapping with LARS's downstream offtake.
• Suez (Veolia merger entity): Suez operates recycling and recovery services across Europe, with plastics recycling, materials recovery and EPR support. Comparable as a broad waste-management incumbent overlapping with Der Grüne Punkt's downstream MRF and raw material trading.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC1Dw6Vk1_8nMRRExfuG25aw
• Facebookfacebook.com/DerGruenePunkt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/der-gruene-punkt-duales-system-deutschland
• Instagraminstagram.com/der.gruene.punkt
• Xx.com/dergruenepunkt

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Der Grüne Punkt