A new Italian regulatory measure introduces compostability requirements for specific categories of packaging, creating opportunities for innovation in organic recycling and the circular bioeconomy. The development is particularly relevant to the objectives of the TERRIFIC project, supporting the transition towards more sustainable packaging value chains.

On August 4, 2026, the Italian Council of Ministers approved a decree-law introducing, within the Italian Environmental Code, compostability requirements for specific categories of packaging.

The measure implements Italy’s proposed technical regulation under the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), defining biodegradability and compostability requirements for certain single-use plastic packaging. The decree will enter into force following its publication in the Italian Official Gazette.

“We warmly welcome this measure, which establishes a clear regulatory framework and provides a necessary condition for investments in innovation to reach their full potential,” said Catia Bastioli, President of SPRING, the Italian Circular Bioeconomy Cluster.

The new Italian legislation provides greater regulatory certainty for companies developing innovative solutions and can help accelerate the creation of new value chains, organic recycling infrastructure and circular bioeconomy solutions. These developments are closely aligned with the objectives of TERRIFIC, which supports innovation and the development of more sustainable approaches to packaging, resource recovery and circularity.

The Italian measure also demonstrates how the flexibility provided by the European regulatory framework can be translated into concrete opportunities for technological innovation, industrial investment and the transition towards more circular production systems.