Italy mandates compostable plastics for banned single-use packaging formats
Italy has enacted Decreto-Legge n. 143, requiring compostable versions of single-use plastic packaging formats that the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation will ban from 1 January 2030, covering lightweight fresh produce packs under 1.5kg, hospitality-sector cosmetic and hygiene wrappers, and pre-filled food, drink and condiment packaging in HORECA. All affected packaging must be certified compostable under EN 13432 or an equivalent European standard, with a three-year transition period before penalties of EUR 2,500 to 25,000 apply from 1 January 2030, rising fourfold for larger volume breaches.
Why this mattersItaly's national exercise of PPWR's Article 9(2)(b) option creates a fresh compostable-packaging demand pool but adds a country-specific compliance layer for converters selling across the EU single market.
- Decreto-Legge n. 143 covers single-use plastic packaging for pre-packaged vegetables under 1.5kg.
- Law also covers single-use flexible hospitality packaging for cosmetics, beauty and hygiene products discarded before the next guest.
- Pre-filled single-use HORECA food, drink and individual condiment packaging is included.
- Takeaway food packaging and medical/hygiene packaging in clinical settings are excluded.
- Compostable certification must meet EN 13432 or an equivalent EU-recognised standard.
- Penalties of EUR 2,500-25,000 apply from 1 January 2030, up to fourfold for breaches exceeding 10% of a company's turnover.