On April 1, 2026, Italy’s Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security submitted a draft bill that would allow single-use plastic packaging banned under the EU’s Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) to be replaced with biodegradable or compostable alternatives.
Within the proposed bill, single-use packaging and packaging waste that is certified as compostable or biodegradable by accredited bodies and that is compliant with the European standard would be permitted starting January 1, 2030. The products listed in the PPWR that would be amended under the Italian bill 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 that are pre-filled and intended for on-site consumption within hotels, restaurants, and catering establishments
- Single-use plastic packaging used in the hotel, restaurant, and catering sectors except when provided with take-away food and required to ensure safety and hygiene in facilities where individual medical care is provided
The bill also introduces the requirement to use biodegradable or compostable alternatives for single-use flexible packaging for cosmetics and hygiene products within the hospitality sector when they are designed to be disposed of before the arrival of the next guest.
Italy’s Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security conducted a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) they argue demonstrates the feasibility and importance of implementing the bill, stating that such an approach is “better suited to the reality of the national waste management infrastructure.” It also states the bill would “reconcile environmental protection requirements with the specific characteristics of the Italian industrial model, for which the recycling of organic waste is one of the cornerstones.” Further, the Ministry describes how implementing the draft bill would protect the competitiveness of green chemistry leaders and packaging processors and act as a catalyst for innovation in this area while allowing for more efficient management of the bio-waste cycle.
Such derogations are allowed under Article 9 of the PPWR if EU member states can demonstrate that they have the infrastructure to collect and manage biowaste.
References
TRIS European Commission (April 1, 2026). “Proposal for a technical regulation laying down biodegradability and compostability requirements for certain single-use plastic packaging.”
Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security of Italy (April 1, 2026). “Art. xxx (Modifications to Legislative Decree No 152 of 3 April 2006).” (pdf).
Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security of Italy (April 1, 2026). “Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA).” (pdf).
Read more
Charlotte Niemiec (April 9, 2026). “Italy seeks derogation from PPWR single-use packaging ban for compostable items.” Chemical Watch News & Insight.
