Registering packaging EPR in Italy: CONAI and environmental labelling

The CONAI system

Italy operates packaging EPR mainly through CONAI (the National Packaging Consortium) and its material-specific consortia (for steel, aluminium, paper, wood, plastic, glass and bioplastic). Producers and importers that place packaging on the Italian market join CONAI and contribute to the system.

The CAC contribution

The Contributo Ambientale CONAI (CAC) is charged per tonne and varies by material. For plastic it is further modulated into bands according to recyclability and sortability, so a well-designed plastic pack costs less per tonne than a hard-to-recycle one. You declare the packaging you place on the market and pay accordingly.

Environmental labelling

Italy requires environmental labelling of packaging: each component must show its material identification code and, for household packaging, sorting guidance for the consumer. This obligation flows from the Environmental Code as amended, and applies to packaging sold in Italy regardless of where it was produced.

Check current CAC rates, bands and labelling rules on the official CONAI guidance before you declare or print artwork.