The text recognizes exemptions from the ban on compostable and some bio-based plastics where reusable alternatives are not available.
The directive aims to prevent and reduce the environmental impact of certain plastic products and to promote the transition to a circular economy by introducing a series of specific measures, including a Europe-wide ban on single-use plastic products where alternatives are available.
Compared to the version approved by the European Parliament two years ago (the SUP directive was approved on 5 June 2019), the draft decree issued by the Italian Council of Ministers introduces two exceptions:
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Plastic coating, whose weight is less than 10% of the weight of the product, does not constitute the main component of the finished product, and is not classified as disposable plastic. In other words, products such as disposable coated paper cups can be used in Italy as long as it meets the requirement that the coated plastic does not exceed 10% of the total weight of the product.
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Exemption from the ban on compostable and some bio-based plastics in the absence of reusable alternatives.