On the European SUP (Single Use Plastic) directive, which bans some single-use plastics and has been criticized by Italy, “the agreement with Brussels has already been found. The problem is not there, thanks to a more technical than political conversation, which is good for everyone ». This was stated by the Minister of Ecological Transition, Roberto Cingolani, speaking on Radio24. Cingolani explained that he had spoken with the Vice President of the European Commission, Franz Timmermans. «The agreement is that the guidelines will continue to be revised according to the new technological solutions – explained the minister -. And it has been recognized that if I have a paper cup that is 90% paper and 10% plastic, they don’t weigh it like all plastic, but they recognize that there is only 10% ». “When I spoke to Vice President Timmermans, we confronted each other with the utmost serenity and we agreed without any conflict,” said Cingolani. The alarm on the effects of the directive on the sector was also raised in recent weeks by Confindustria.
The SUP directive was criticized by the Italian government because it also banned biodegradable and compostable plastics, on which the Italian industry is far ahead. Confindustria then criticized the guidelines for the application of the directive, recently approved by the Commission, which extended the ban to plates, glasses and paper packaging covered with a thin layer of plastic (less than 10%), another important production in Italy. In short, one of the cruxes is the “mixed” plastic and paper products. “We all agree that plastic needs to be reduced. There is no discussion on this point – explained Cingolani -. When I arrived a few months ago, I read the guidelines and I found one point quite questionable: in the end, the only plastic that is allowed is recyclable. This means that we continue to produce plastics which, albeit delayed from recycling, will one day become waste. On the other hand, all the other plastics, even the most modern ones, those based on vegetable fibers, have been defined as not usable. Which reflects a somewhat old reading of recent technologies ».