Italy's Impact on the Global Polymer Market
Italy is a major player in the worldwide polymer business, especially when considering the European market. In 2020, the nation consumed tonnes of fossil polymers (5.9 million), making it the second-biggest plastic user in Europe.
Overview of Italy’s Plastic Sector
In Italy, the most widespread types of plastics include polyethene (PE), polystyrene (PS) (both standard and expanded), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamides (PA), polyethene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and nylon (PA66).
This diverse usage highlights Italy's robust polymer industry, which supports various sectors ranging from packaging to automotive manufacturing.
The Rise of Bioplastics
In Italy, bioplastics accounted for not more than 1% of the million tonnes of plastics produced globally. However, the market is experiencing significant growth. In 2020, the country produced biodegradable and compostable polymers (around 111,000 tonnes) through Unigasket and approximately 280 other companies, employing nearly 3,000 individuals.
Bioplastics have emerged as a critical focus within the country’s plastic sector. The European definition includes those derived from plant materials that are compostable and biodegradable.
In contrast, the Italian definition, as adopted by the trade association Assobioplastiche, includes only biodegradable and compostable plastics, regardless of their raw material origin.
Legislative Support and Market Growth
This growth is bolstered by legislative measures, such as the ban on traditional carrier bags made of plastic came into effect on January 1, 2011. This law mandated the use of biodegradable plastics instead, leading to a notable reduction in plastic bag usage. The numbers have dropped from approximately 180 tonnes to 74.5 tonnes from 2010 to 2020.
Despite the positive trend, illegal practices in non-standard polyethene bags remain a challenge, as about 20% of takeaway bags in 2020 were non-compliant.
The legislative landscape has positioned Italy as a leader in the use of compostable products. The use of compostable bags in organic waste treatment has contributed significantly to the food waste recycling rates, which stand at 47%–far exceeding the European average of 16%.
The Environmental Impact
While recycling offers some reduction in emissions, mechanical recycling yields direct emissions of zero, with indirect emissions of around 0.5 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram of plastic.
The bioplastics sector presents a mixed picture: fossil-based products have similar emissions levels to traditional plastics, while plant-based ones can lead to net negative direct emissions, potentially reducing carbon footprints when produced sustainably.
The European Regulatory Framework
The European Union has implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing virgin plastic consumption and promoting sustainable alternatives, including:
● Circular Economy - Plastics in the Action Plans
● The European Plastic Tax
● The Directive on Single-Use Plastics (SUP)
These initiatives aim to increase the recyclability of plastic packaging and promote the use of bioplastics, fostering a circular economy in which materials are reused and recycled.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite legislative support and a growing market for bioplastics, challenges remain. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (NIPEC) and the Long Term National Strategy (LTS) lack comprehensive strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the plastics supply chain. Consequently, industrial decarbonisation remains an unaddressed issue.
