CONAI's Board of Directors, following discussions with the Biorepack consortium, has resolved to remodulate the Environmental Contribution (EAC) for compostable bioplastic packaging: from 1st July 2026 the value will increase from 130 to 246 euros/tonne. The EAC value for compostable bioplastic packaging had been more than halved over the past three years and today must be revised, in accordance with the consortium's policy of achieving balance between income and expenditure whilst maintaining an adequate level of reserves. The remodulations planned for 2026 will also affect lump-sum/simplified procedures for importing filled packaging.
Regarding plastic packaging, under Corepla's remit, as announced last June the Environmental Contribution for B1.2 category packaging will return to 228 euros/tonne from 1st January 2026. Also from 1st January 2026, updates to the lists of plastic packaging in different contributory categories will come into effect, following requests for transfers received from companies, either directly or through associations. Following investigations carried out by CONAI and Corepla, some types of plastic packaging will be relocated to other categories, particularly:
- caps and liners for octabins for industrial use: from category A2 to category A1.1;
- lids for industrial crates: from category B2.2 to category A1.1;
- caps for containers with capacity over 5 litres: from category B2.2 to category A1.1;
- PE cover sheets/covers for crates: from category B2.2 to category A2;
- caps for containers with capacity up to 5 litres: from category B2.2 to category B1.1;
- labels applied to HDPE containers: from category B2.2 to category B1.1;
- opaque PET bottles, jars, bottles and pots and labels applied to PET containers: from category B2.2 to category B1.2;
- PP lids for PP containers: from category B2.2 to category B2.1;
- multi-layer XPS trays: from category C to category B2.3;
- net bags/nets for fruit and vegetables with PE and/or PP accessory elements: from category C to category B2.3.
The lists will specify that PVC packaging/accessories and packaging with carbon black hinder selection and recycling: they therefore always go in category C. The new definition of "capacity" for certain containers will also be given. These modifications are aimed at strengthening the "design for recycling" approach, increasingly important in view of the new objectives set by the PPWR.
