Legislative Decree 8 November 2021, n. 196. Implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/904, of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.

This decree, which applies to disposable plastic products, referred to in the Annex, to oxo-degradable plastic products, as well as to fishing gear containing plastic, brings measures aimed at preventing and reduce the incidence of certain plastic products on the environment, in particular the aquatic environment, and on human health, as well as promoting the transition to a circular economy with business models, innovative and sustainable products and materials, contributing in this way to the reduction of waste production, the correct functioning of the market and promoting responsible behavior with respect to the correct management of plastic waste. This decree also contains measures aimed at promoting the use of recycled plastic suitable for the direct food contact in beverage bottles.
The Decree provides that, in order to reduce, by 2026 with respect to 2022, the consumption of single-use plastic products listed in part A of its Annex and in order to reverse the growing consumer trends, the Minister of the ecological transition, the Minister of economic development, the regions or the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano enter into program agreements and contracts with public bodies, companies, public or private entities and trade associations with the objectives to: - implement plans to reduce the consumption of disposable plastic products as well as to recover and optimize waste flows deriving from these products; - experiment, promote, implement and develop the application of processes and technologies suitable to prevent or reduce the production of waste from single-use plastic and to optimize collection and recovery, as well as the promotion of alternative products; - support and incentivize the production of reusable or alternative products; - raise awareness on environmental and economic benefits of alternatives based on reusable products, and of activities aimed at recycling; - propose alternatives based on the use of water and draught drinks, durable and reusable products both for purchase and for consumption, on the spot or taking away, of food and drinks; support and promote the diffusion of economic models for the delivery, collection, sanitation and return services to the operators of reusable products.
The Decree further foresees restrictions on placing products on the market, product and marking requirements, extended manufacturer responsibility, waste sorting and awareness-raising measures.