Italian Senate approves compostability rules for selected single-use plastics
Italy's Senate approved, with amendments, the conversion of Decree-Law No. 143, which requires certain single-use plastic packaging formats to be certified biodegradable and compostable under UNI EN 13432. The covered categories are fresh-produce packs under 1.5 kg, HORECA food and drink packaging, individual condiment portions and hospitality cosmetics packaging; the bill now moves to the Chamber of Deputies. The measure uses flexibility under the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which restricts certain single-use plastic formats from 1 January 2030 unless composting infrastructure and certification requirements are met.
Why this mattersItaly opens a national compostability route alongside PPWR recyclability rules, adding a compliance track that compostable-polymer and flexible-packaging suppliers must navigate separately from the rest of the EU.
- Italian Senate approved conversion of Decree-Law No. 143 of 7 August 2026 on 23 September 2026.
- The bill has been transmitted to the Chamber of Deputies for further consideration.
- Covers single-use plastic packaging for pre-packaged fresh fruit and vegetables under 1.5 kg.
- Also covers HORECA food and drink packaging for on-premises consumption, individual condiment portions, and hospitality cosmetics and hygiene packaging for single bookings.
- Covered packaging must be certified compostable under UNI EN 13432 or an equivalent EU-recognised standard.
- Penalties for non-compliance range from EUR 2,500 to EUR 25,000, with higher fines possible for significant non-compliant quantities.