First published in 1999, this volume responds to the 1991 enactment by the German government of its Packaging Ordinance, which led to new or revised packaging legislation throughout the European Union. Problems caused by this divergent legislation led to the enactment of the Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste in late 1994. Unfortunately, the imprecision of the Directive necessary to ensure its enactment has led to further disputes. At the heart of these disputes is the classic struggle between the priorities of environmental protection and economic development. This book analyses the implementation of the Directive by Member States, and in particular, issues such as the imposition of quotas on reusable containers; the use of economic instruments and environmental agreements; and competition issues and state aids. The book enlightens readers to the current debates regarding packaging legislation which continue today, despite the enactment of EU legislation.