Environmental labelling of packaging is an issue of increasing importance in Italy, due to the need to properly manage waste and promote a circular economy. Pursuant to Legislative Decree 116/2020, all packaging released for consumption in Italy is subject to the obligation of environmental labeling, which aims to provide clear and precise information on the correct disposal and recycling of the packaging itself. This obligation represents an important step towards greater environmental sustainability and proper waste management.
Regulatory context: from the European directive to Legislative Decree 116/2020
The Italian legislation on the environmental labelling of packaging has its roots in European directives, in particular in Directive 2004/12/EC, implemented in Italy through Legislative Decree 152/2006. This Directive urges Member States to take appropriate measures to inform consumers and users of packaging about the return, collection, recovery and recycling systems for packaging and packaging waste. The aim is to reconcile economic and market needs with environmental issues, promoting sustainable waste management.
Legislative Decree 116/2020 introduced the obligation for packaging producers to provide information to allow the correct disposal and recycling of the packaging itself, informing consumers about the materials used and the final destinations of the waste.
Deadlines and extensions: a path to compliance
The obligation of environmental labeling, initially scheduled for 2020, has undergone various extensions, the last of which was sanctioned by Decree Law 228/2021, known as “Milleproroghe”. This decree suspended the obligation until December 31, 2022, allowing manufacturers to gradually adapt. However, from 1 January 2023, the obligation became effective, marking a major step forward in the management of packaging and its disposal.
Packaging already placed on the market or labelled before that date can be marketed until stocks are exhausted, but packaging produced after that must comply with the new requirements.
Essential elements of environmental labelling
According to current legislation, packaging must contain a series of mandatory minimum information. These include:
- Packaging Type: Identification of the type of packaging, such as bottle, tray, bottle, etc.
- Material identification: Alphanumeric code that identifies the nature of the materials used, in accordance with Decision 97/129/EC.
- Material family: Specification of the material family to which it belongs, such as steel, aluminum, plastic, paper, wood, glass, etc.
- Indications for collection: Clear information on the separate or undifferentiated collection of packaging, accompanied by the recommendation to “Check the provisions of your municipality”.
This information is crucial to ensure that packaging is properly disposed of and recycled, reducing environmental impact and promoting a more conscious use of resources.
Symbols and additional information
In addition to the mandatory information, packaging may contain additional environmental details. These include:
- Graphic symbols for quality separate waste collection.
- Information on the recyclability and compostability of the material.
- Environmental labels, which can certify compliance with sustainability standards.
It is important to note that this additional information must be provided in accordance with the technical standards established by international (ISO), European (CEN) or national (UNI) standardization bodies.
Multi-component packaging: a challenge for environmental management
Multi-component packaging, consisting of several parts that can be separated manually or not, poses a particular challenge for environmental labeling. The legislation provides that for each component the following must be specified:
- Code of the composition material .
- Separate collection methods for each part.
This approach allows you to manage the recycling of complex packaging more efficiently, ensuring that each component is treated in the most appropriate way.
Digital communication: QR Codes and apps for accessible information
An innovative aspect of the legislation is the possibility of communicating information relating to packaging also through digital media. In particular, the labels can be read through:
- QR codes printed on the packages.
- Dedicated mobile apps.
- Specific websites .
This digital solution allows for more detailed and up-to-date information, making it easier for consumers to access data
The role of technical guidelines
The implementation of the legislation was supported by the publication of the Technical Guidelines for the environmental labelling of packaging. This document, issued by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MoEES) in November 2022, provides practical guidance for the application of the legislation and represents a point of reference for producers and distributors.
CONAI (National Packaging Consortium) played an essential role in drafting these guidelines, working in collaboration with the Ministry to ensure that the new rules were in line with European directives and adapted to the needs of the Italian industry.
Challenges and opportunities for companies
The introduction of mandatory environmental labelling is a challenge for many companies, especially those operating in the packaging sector. However, it is also an opportunity to improve the sustainability of production processes and to strengthen the relationship with consumers, who are increasingly attentive to environmental issues.
Companies are called upon to invest in new labeling systems and train their staff on the new regulations. In addition, they must ensure that the information provided on packaging is accurate and complies with current regulations, under penalty of fines and reputational damage.
Conclusion: Towards a sustainable future
The mandatory environmental labelling of packaging is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. Thanks to this legislation, consumers will be better informed about the correct disposal of packaging, helping to improve the quality of separate collection and reduce environmental impact.
Companies, for their part, have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by adopting more responsible and transparent practices. Compliance with regulations will not only contribute to environmental protection, but will also strengthen consumer trust in brands that are sensitive to these issues.
In a world where sustainability is increasingly at the heart of consumer choices, environmental labelling of packaging is not just a legal requirement, but a necessity to build a better future for all.
