Take today, Friday 14 January, the ban on using single-use plastic. After controversies, delays and postponements, the legislative decree 196 published in Official Gazette last November 30, which implements the EU Directive "Sup" (Single Use Plastic) n. 904 of 2019. The aim is to “promote the transition towards a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials”. For this reason, the decree aims to encourage “the use of recycled plastic suitable for direct food contact in beverage bottles”.
DISPOSABLE PLASTIC: HERE ARE THE PROHIBITED PRODUCTS
The new rules will apply to non-biodegradable and non-compostable plastics. As of January 14, 2022, the sale of single-use plastic products such as old-fashioned plastic plates and cups, cotton swabs, straws, balloon sticks, cocktail mixers, expanded polystyrene food and beverage containers and glasses is prohibited. The ban also applies to fishing gear containing plastic.
However, the sale of biodegradable and compostable products will continue to be permitted.
DISPOSABLE PLASTIC: FINES FOR THOSE WHO BREACH THE RULES
Anyone who violates the rules from now on will be subject to very heavy fines. In fact, article 14 of the decree provides that anyone who places prohibited products on the market or makes them available will receive a fine of between 2.500 and 25 euros. The fine can double "in the event of the release of a quantity of products worth more than 10 percent of the transgressor's turnover".
However, there is a loophole: merchants and producers will be able to continue selling the stocks in the warehouse until they run out.
DISPOSABLE PLASTIC: THE FACILITIES
In order to encourage the use of alternative products, concessions are provided for companies that used disposable plastic. In fact, a tax credit arrives, up to a maximum overall limit of 3 million euros for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. Finally, the launch of awareness campaigns has been established.
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