Single-use plastic rules: takeaway and delivery packaging in Italy
Italy’s D.Lgs. 196/2021 and the EU SUP Directive explained for hospitality: banned items, permitted packaging and alternatives for takeaway and delivery.
In short
Since 14 January 2022, Italy’s D.Lgs. 196/2021, implementing the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive 2019/904, has prohibited placing single-use plastic cutlery, plates, straws and stirrers, and expanded polystyrene containers and cups, on the market. Takeaway and delivery alternatives include paper and board, moulded fibre and bagasse, wood and bamboo, aluminium, or EN 13432-certified biodegradable and compostable plastic where Italian law permits it under specific conditions.
Warning
This guide gives a practical summary of Italian and EU rules, rather than legal advice. Regulations change and exceptions apply. Check your specific circumstances with your trade association or an adviser.
For takeaway and delivery in Italy, choose packaging around the food, the delivery journey and the applicable single-use plastic rules. These services are an important revenue stream for many venues, while the rules on packaging have become stricter.
What the law says
The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUP, 2019/904) was implemented in Italy through D.Lgs. 196/2021, effective from 14 January 2022. It covers single-use plastic products frequently found in the environment.
The following can no longer be placed on the market:
- cutlery, including forks, knives, spoons and chopsticks;
- plates;
- straws;
- beverage stirrers;
- expanded polystyrene (EPS) food and beverage containers, including lids;
- expanded polystyrene cups;
- any oxo-degradable plastic product.
Other products remain permitted, with marking requirements where applicable: cups, including plastic-lined paper cups, food containers made from other plastics, and wet wipes. Cups containing plastic must carry the required EU marking.
Italy's compostable plastic exception
The Italian decree permits single-use products made from biodegradable and compostable plastic certified to UNI EN 13432, with a minimum renewable raw material content, where practical reusable alternatives are unavailable. Examples include canteens, hospitals, events or takeaway services where reusable tableware cannot be managed.
This is an Italian provision. Compostable plastic remains subject to conditions: products need certification, and disposal depends on local municipal rules.
Takeaway and delivery alternatives
| Material | Advantages | Drawbacks | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper and board | Affordable, printable, recyclable when clean | Absorb liquids unless treated | Sandwiches, pizza, fried food, dry pastries |
| Moulded fibre / bagasse | Rigid, handles heat and grease, compostable | More expensive, not transparent | Pasta, mains, hot meals |
| Compostable PLA / CPLA | Transparent PLA, plastic-like appearance | PLA does not withstand heat; cost | Salads, fruit salads, cold-drink cups |
| Wood and bamboo | Rigid, natural | Taste and feel may not suit every guest | Cutlery, stirrers, skewers |
| Aluminium | Oven-safe, heat-resistant, secure closures | Unsuitable for microwaves | Lasagne, baked meals, deli dishes |
| Reusables: glass, rigid plastic, steel | Avoid disposable waste, encourage repeat custom | Need a return and washing system | Regular customers, canteens, workplaces |
Hot food and liquids
Hot dishes with sauces and stocks are the hardest packaging test. Try the container with your most demanding dish before choosing it: a 20-minute scooter journey puts any closure under pressure.
Changes in the coming years
The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU 2025/40, PPWR) introduces hospitality requirements in stages. Announced measures include restrictions on single-use plastic packaging for food and drink consumed on the premises from 2030, and requirements for takeaway operators to accept customers' own containers and offer a reusable option. Factor these into supplier and material choices.
A practical selection process
- List takeaway dishes by hot or cold, dry or wet.
- Choose a material for each dish family to reduce product codes, stock and errors.
- Test closures with the actual food and delivery time.
- Check certifications, including EN 13432 for compostables and suitability for food contact.
- Tell customers where to dispose of the packaging. A note on the bag or receipt helps prevent sorting mistakes.
For waste handling inside the venue, see restaurant waste sorting.
Find the products
The items mentioned in this guide, in the Misee catalogue.
Frequently asked questions
Can you still use plastic cutlery for takeaway in Italy?
Conventional single-use plastic cutlery is banned. Alternatives include wood, bamboo, paper or EN 13432-certified biodegradable and compostable plastic in the cases permitted by Italian law.
Are paper cups permitted?
Yes. Cups are not generally among the banned products, but cups containing plastic, including paper cups with plastic linings, must carry the required EU marking identifying that plastic content.
Where should compostable containers be disposed of?
EN 13432-certified containers usually go in organic waste, but Italian municipal rules vary and some treatment plants do not accept them. Check the collection operator’s instructions.
What penalties apply to banned single-use plastic products in Italy?
Italian D.Lgs. 196/2021 provides administrative fines of 2.500 to 25.000 euros for placing banned products on the market. Check which provisions apply to your business with your adviser.
Need advice on your supplies?
Our customer service helps you choose sizes, quantities and materials for your venue.