Environmental labelling of packaging: approaching the final deadline
Starting from 01/01/2023 all the new packaging produced in Italy shall be compliant with the Decree No. 116 of 3 September 2020, which is the Implementation of directive (EU) 2018/851 on waste and of directive (EU) 2018/852 on packaging and packaging waste.
The decree aims to guide the development of the so-called “Circular Economy Package” by making the labelling of packaging with useful information mandatory, both for identification and for the classification of the materials used. This will make it easier for the user to identify the correct waste collection, but also to make a critical choice for consumers who prefer greener packaging.
The compulsory information required by the decree are:
- The identification of the material of the packaging, according to the alphanumeric code listed in Decision 97/129/EC.
- The indication of the correct waste collection. This can be expressed as a specific information according to the packaging material (i.e. “Plastic Collection”) or with a generic indication (i.e. “Separate waste collection. Check your local municipal guidelines”).
Other information are recommended but not compulsory, such as a guide on how to separate and dispose of individual parts for multiple-component packaging, or additional information on the correct disposal of waste, such as “Empty the packaging” or “Flatten the packaging”.
The decree deals with other various topics useful for packaging producers, such as the best placement of information, the required dimension and colour of the graphics, etc.
Tentamus Agriparadigma can help its customers to verify the compliance of their packaging to these new requirements. This can be provided as an addition to the label check according to Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, in order to provide a more comprehensive service.
For more information about this topic, please contact:
Dr. Duccio Lambardi