Compostable Single Use Plastic Packaging Food Italy

Italy Moves Ahead with Compostability Requirements for Selected Single-Use Plastic Packaging

28-Sep-26

Senate approves conversion of decree covering fresh-produce packs, HORECA food packaging and hospitality packaging; legislation now moves to the Chamber of Deputies

Rome, September 28, 2026: Italy is moving towards new national requirements that would require certain categories of single-use plastic packaging to be biodegradable and compostable, as the country seeks to use the flexibility provided under the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Italy's Decree-Law No. 143 of August 7, 2026 introduces compostability requirements for specific packaging formats that would otherwise face restrictions under the EU packaging regulation. The Italian Senate approved the bill converting the decree, with amendments, on September 23, and the legislation has now been transmitted to the Chamber of Deputies for consideration.

The development could have implications for suppliers of compostable polymers, flexible packaging manufacturers, converters and brand owners serving the Italian market.

Packaging categories covered
The Italian measure covers a number of specific single-use packaging applications.

These include:

Single-use plastic packaging for pre-packaged fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg
Single-use plastic packaging for food and beverages filled and intended for consumption on the premises of the hospitality, restaurant and catering sector
Single-use packaging containing individual portions of condiments, including preserves, sauces, cream portions and sugar, used in the HORECA sector
Single-use flexible packaging for cosmetics and hygiene products used in the hospitality sector, where the packaging is intended for an individual booking and is discarded before the arrival of the next guest
The Italian Senate's legislative record specifies that the covered packaging must be certified by accredited bodies as biodegradable and compostable in accordance with UNI EN 13432 or an equivalent compostability standard recognised at European level.

The measure does not cover certain packaging supplied with takeaway food intended for immediate consumption without further preparation, or packaging necessary to ensure safety and hygiene in medical-care facilities such as hospitals, clinics and residential healthcare facilities.

Connection with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
The Italian initiative is linked to provisions of the EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40.

The PPWR establishes restrictions on certain single-use packaging formats from January 1, 2030, while also providing Member States with the possibility, under specified conditions, to allow certain packaging formats where they are biodegradable or compostable and appropriate systems for separate collection and treatment of biowaste are available.

The Italian legislation therefore seeks to establish a national route for specified packaging applications through compostability rather than conventional recyclability, subject to the conditions established by the European framework.

Compostability certification becomes critical
For packaging manufacturers and converters, certification will be an important requirement.

The Italian provisions refer specifically to UNI EN 13432, or equivalent European-recognised compostability standards. This means that simply describing a packaging product as "biodegradable" or "compostable" would not by itself satisfy the requirements; the relevant packaging must meet the applicable certification requirements.

The Italian parliamentary discussion has also highlighted the importance of appropriate collection and treatment systems for compostable packaging. Effective separation and correct disposal are necessary to ensure that compostable packaging can be properly handled within organic-waste management systems.

Transition period and compliance
The legislation provides businesses with a transition period intended to provide greater legal certainty as the new requirements are implemented.

The original provisions provide for penalties for non-compliance, with fines reported in the range of €2,500 to €25,000, with the possibility of higher penalties in specified circumstances involving significant quantities of non-compliant packaging.

The wider PPWR framework also introduces design-for-recycling requirements for packaging placed on the European market from 2030. The Italian approach therefore creates an interesting regulatory development in which recyclability and compostability are being addressed through different routes for different packaging applications.

Implications for the packaging industry
The development is likely to be of particular interest to:

Compostable polymer and biopolymer producers
Flexible packaging manufacturers
Film and bag manufacturers
Packaging converters
Producers of compostable food-service packaging
Suppliers of compostable coatings and barrier materials
Masterbatch and additive suppliers
Packaging machinery manufacturers
Hospitality and HORECA packaging suppliers
Brands developing alternative packaging formats
For flexible-packaging producers, the requirements could create opportunities for new compostable structures for applications such as fresh produce, food-service portions and hospitality products, subject to the applicable technical and certification requirements.

At the same time, manufacturers will need to consider the availability of suitable composting infrastructure, certification, collection systems and end-of-life requirements before switching from conventional plastic structures.

Italy's legislation still requires completion of the parliamentary process
Although the Italian Senate has approved the conversion bill, the process is not yet complete.

The bill was transmitted to the Chamber of Deputies on September 24, 2026, where it remains under consideration.

The development will therefore be closely watched by the European packaging industry as Italy determines how the national requirements will operate alongside the EU's broader PPWR framework.

For plastics and packaging companies, the development reinforces the importance of monitoring the rapidly changing European regulatory environment around recyclability, compostability, packaging design and end-of-life management.