Information for packaging labelling

Since 1 January 2023, environmental labelling has been mandatory for packaging in Italy. What does this mean in concrete terms?

Legislative Decree no. 116 of 3 September 2020 stipulates that all packaging placed on the Italian market from 1 January 2023 must be labelled in compliance "to facilitate the collection, reuse and recovery of packaging and to provide consumers with correct information on the final destination of the packaging. Packaging manufacturers are also required to communicate the type of packaging material used, on the basis of Commission Decision 97/129/EC, for the purposes of correct identification and categorisation".

What does the labelling obligation in Italy mean for B2B packaging?

On B2B packaging (packaging intended for use in the commercial sector), the recycling code of the material must be indicated for each manually separable component. All other information can be added voluntarily. This includes information relating to disposal in the separate waste collection system. The instructions for correct disposal can either be given on the packaging or in the transport documents. Digital aids (e.g. via a QR code) are welcome.

Decree No. 116 also stipulates that packaging that has already been placed on the market by 1 January 2023 may be marketed until stocks are exhausted.

For the packaging that we put into circulation ourselves, we have set up a document with all the relevant information on environmental labelling. It can be accessed via QR codes that are printed on our delivery documents.

USM U. Schärer Söhne AG endeavours to find the best materials for its packaging. We favour materials that come from recycled sources and we are currently reviewing and improving our packaging to reduce our environmental footprint.

Download information on material labelling: