The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (MASE) has presented a draft legislative proposal to exempt biodegradable and compostable formats from the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s bans on single-use plastic packaging, with European Bioplastics (EUBP) describing the measure as “positive and pragmatic”.
From 1st January 2030, the PPWR will ban single-use plastic packaging for pre-packed fresh fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5kg; pre-filled food and beverages intended for on-site consumption; and individual portions or servings in the HORECA sector, including condiments, preserves, sauces, coffee creamer, sugar and seasoning.
MASE argues that these formats should be permitted if the single-use plastic packaging is biodegradable and compostable, certified by accredited bodies, and compliant with compostability standards recognized at a European level, such as UNI EN 13432.
It also suggests that the exemption should cover single-use flexible packaging for cosmetics and hygiene products intended for use in individual bookings and for disposal before the next guest arrives.
Additionally, MASE argues that market operators should be penalized for ‘misleading or elusive’ statements, including declarations of conformity. Proposing an administrative fine of between €2,500 and €25,000, the draft states that the maximum penalty could be quadrupled if the value of the packaging in question exceeds 10% of the offender’s turnover.
“Italy can argue that the use of compostable packaging is the most effective tool for minimizing compost contamination by traditional plastics,” the impact assessment document explains.
“Since the Italian collection system is based on the strict separation of household organic waste, the adoption of certified bioplastics allows certain types of packaging to be sent directly to anaerobic digestion and composting plants, transforming potentially unsorted waste into a high-quality agricultural resource.
“Through the exemption, Italy can continue to promote solutions that integrate the container with the content, ensuring that all waste is recycled in local biological treatment plants, thus reducing the need for incineration and promoting the achievement of the circular economy objectives set by the European Union itself, but with a strategy more closely aligned with the national plant situation.”
EUBP describes the proposal as a “positive and pragmatic signal for the sector” that “helps provide greater legal certainty at a critical moment and sends an encouraging message to companies investing in certified compostable solutions.”
It expects the measure to be particularly beneficial for packaging that would otherwise be difficult to recycle, including formats contaminated with food or otherwise hard to sort.
“We welcome the Italian draft proposal as a positive development for the sector,” said Lorenza Romanese, secretary general of European Bioplastics. “Clear and workable rules are essential to support innovation, investment and market confidence.”
The proposal comes after the European Commission officially exempted pallet wrappings and straps from the PPWR’s 100% reuse requirements, attributing the decision to ‘disproportionate’ costs and supply chain impacts. A document signed by European Plastics Converters (EuPC), IK Industrievereinigung Kunststoffverpackungen (IK), and Elipso last year explained that these formats already contain post-consumer recyclate and are fully recyclable, yet the conventional materials cannot yet be replaced without impacting their effectiveness.
The Commission has also published a guidance document to provide further clarity around the Regulation’s requirements. This includes clarification that contact-sensitive packaging and plastic parts comprising less than 5% of a pack’s total weight are exempt from recycled content requirements, as per Article 7(5), with further exemptions to be revisited and assessed from 1st January 2028.
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