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The Italian Ministry for the Environment has submitted a Proposal to the European Commission outlining technical rules that define when plastic plates, cutlery, straws, and other items can be considered "reusable" rather than "single-use". This measure represents an important step in clarifying existing regulations and helping consumers and businesses distinguish between products that can be reused and those intended for single use.
The proposal is now open for evaluation by interested parties until 2 July 2025. If no objections are raised, the measure may be officially published. This initiative is part of the European Single-Use Plastics Directive 2019/904, which was transposed into Italian law through Legislative Decree 196/2021. The directive bans the sale of certain single-use plastic products, including plates, cutlery, straws, and drink stirrers.
The Ministry's goal is to provide clarity for both consumers and businesses by specifying the characteristics products must have in order to be considered reusable and thus exempt from the ban. The proposed rules do not rely on a minimum number of uses, as stated in the PPWR (Plastic Packaging Waste Regulation), but instead focus on criteria related to the size and weight of the items.
These technical specifications are expected to simplify the identification of genuinely reusable products, ensuring a clearer and more consistent application of environmental regulations regarding plastics. If approved, the proposal will contribute to further reductions in single-use plastics, supporting the transition towards a more circular and sustainable economy.
