by Monica Paternesi
From Friday 14 January the stop in Italy of the use of single-use plastic is triggered. In fact, Legislative Decree 196, published in the Official Journal of 30 November last, which transposes the EU Directive "Sup" (Single Use Plastic) of 2019, comes into force. The farewell will concern certain categories of plastic: the non-biodegradable and non-compostable and fishing gear containing plastic.
In short, old-fashioned plastic plates and cups, ear sticks, straws, containers and glasses for food and drinks in expanded polystyrene.
The decree, issued "with the intention of promoting the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials", aims to "promote the use of recycled plastic suitable for direct food contact in beverage bottles" , and also provides for substantial fines for offenders, ranging from 2,500 to 25,000 euros. But its effects will not be so sudden. For merchants and manufacturers, it will be possible to use existing stocks until they run out.
To promote the use of alternative products to those prohibited, the decree provides for concessions for companies that used them, in the form of a tax credit, up to an overall maximum limit of 3 million euros for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. .
Awareness-raising campaigns are also planned, and gradually also rules for disposal.
Within a year, the Ministry of Ecological Transition will have to indicate with a decree the minimum environmental criteria for catering services, with and without the installation of food, drink and water dispensing machines, as well as the minimum environmental criteria for organization of events and film and television productions.
(HANDLE).