Compostability requirements allow certain packaging to avoid PPWR restrictions
On 7 August, Italy adopted Decree-Law 143/2026, introducing mandatory compostability requirements for selected single-use packaging (SUP).
The Decree-Law entered into force on 8 August – four days before the PPWR became applicable on 12 August. As a Decree-Law, the measure must be converted into law by Parliament by 6 October or it will lose effect retroactively.
From 1 January 2030, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) prohibits the placing on the market of packaging in the formats and uses listed in Annex V.
These include certain SUP packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables, food and beverages consumed within the HORECA sector, individual portions of condiments, and cosmetics and hygiene products in the accommodation sector.
The PPWR allows Member States to derogate from the Annex V restrictions for packaging they have required to be compostable before the PPWR became applicable, provided that appropriate bio-waste collection and treatment infrastructure is in place (Art. 9.2(b)).
The scope of Italy’s new compostability requirements closely mirrors the packaging categories covered by points 2–5 of PPWR Annex V:
- SUP packaging for less than 1.5 kg of pre-packed fresh fruit and vegetables
- SUP food and beverage packaging for consumption within HORECA establishments
- SUP individual-portion condiment packaging in the HORECA sector
- single-use flexible cosmetics and hygiene packaging in the accommodation sector
In practice, compliant compostable versions of these packaging formats (complying with UNI EN 13432 or an equivalent EU-recognised standard) may continue to be placed on the Italian market from 2030 despite the corresponding PPWR Annex V restrictions. This does not create an exemption in other Member States.
The Decree-Law also extends the PPWR’s micro-enterprise exemption to certain fresh fruit and vegetable packaging.
