The measures

Packaging Decree: Senate gives the green light to new rules on single-use plastics – what’s changing

The packaging for a wide range of products – from fruit, vegetables and sauces to the toiletries used in hotels – must be biodegradable and compostable

by Pietro Menzani

23 September 2026

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2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

From fruit, vegetable and drink packaging to the cosmetics used by hotels, there are numerous products affected by the crackdown on single-use plastics contained in the packaging decree approved by the Senate. The measures have been in force since 8 August and aim to ensure that certain specific types of single-use plastic packaging placed on the market comply with criteria for biodegradability and compostability.

The objectives include protecting the environment and natural resources, reducing the environmental impact of single-use plastics, and promoting the circular economy. For the decree to become law, it will be necessary to wait for the Chamber of Deputies to give its final approval.

What’s new

The process of converting the decree-law into law – which had been approved at the Council of Ministers meeting on Tuesday 4 August and published in the Official Gazette on 7 August – began in the first half of September when the text was referred to the Environment Committee. The deadline for final approval is set for 6 October 2026.

More restrictive criteria

The text of the law tightens the criteria with which single-use plastic packaging must comply when it is placed on the national market for the first time. Specifically, in addition to complying with the formats and uses permitted by the EU legislation coming into force in February 2025 – the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) – packaging must be certified by accredited bodies as biodegradable and compostable in accordance with European standards.

The government’s aim is to comply with EU regulations without, however, harming the industry. The decree also aims to support industrial innovation and the competitiveness of businesses operating in the compostable bioplastics sector, as well as to promote technological and production innovation in the compostable packaging sector.

Single-use plastic

The criteria for biodegradability and compostability must be met, first and foremost, by single-use plastic packaging used for pre-packaged fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg. This also applies to packaging containing food and drink that is filled and intended for consumption on the premises of the hotel, restaurant and catering sectors.

In the HoReCa sector, packaging containing individual portions of condiments – including preserves, sauces, coffee cream and sugar – must also comply with the new regulations. Exceptions are, however, those supplied alongside ready-to-eat takeaway food intended for immediate consumption without the need for further preparation, and those used to ensure safety and hygiene in facilities such as hospitals, clinics or care homes.

Finally, the measures set out in the new decree apply to single-use flexible packaging for cosmetics and hygiene products used in the hospitality sector for tourists and travellers, intended for individual use and to be disposed of before the arrival of the next guest.

Violations

In the event of a breach of the new rules, the decree provides for fines ranging from 2,500 to 25,000 euros, which will come into force from 1 January 2030. Administrative penalties apply when the limits imposed by law are exceeded, including where declarations of conformity or other misleading or evasive statements are used. Penalties may be increased up to four times the maximum amount if the breach involves quantities of packaging worth more than 10 per cent of the offender’s turnover.

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