Changes in Environmental Contributions for Packaging: Significant changes for paper and cardboard, but plastic remains unchanged

Today we want to talk about the recent changes regarding the Environmental Contributions for packaging, a measure aimed at encouraging the sustainability and proper management of materials used in industry.

The National Packaging Consortium (Conai) has announced a series of remodulations that will come into force on October 1, 2023, but the most relevant news concerns paper and cardboard.

While the contributions for plastics and metals will remain unchanged, the CAC for paper and board will rise from €5 to €35 per tonne.

It is important to underline that in the last three years the value had fallen considerably, from EUR 55 to EUR 5 per tonne.

Conai explains that this is due to the decrease in the sales forecasts of the material for 2023.

In addition, global industrial production is contracting, leading to a reduction in the volumes of packaging submitted to the CAC, while convention collection continues to increase.

The situation becomes even more complex when it comes to paper-based polylaminate packaging to contain liquids.

Although the basic CAC has increased, contributions do not vary and remain at €145 per tonne for Type C composites and €275 per tonne for Type D composites.

On the other hand, there is good news for wood and glass packaging.

The Environmental Contribution for wood packaging drops by one euro, from 8 to 7 euros per tonne.

For glass, the contribution increases from EUR 23 to EUR 15 per tonne.

This reduction is due to the increase in auctioned glass prices, which maintained high levels in 2023 compared to the previous year.

In addition, the lower operating costs linked to the reduction in the quantities transferred to the consortium system contributed to the decision to resize the CAC for glass.

These changes will also have an impact on simplified procedures for importing full packaging, which will be remodulated according to the new tariffs.

The decision to review the Environmental Contributions by Conai is an important signal for the promotion of environmental sustainability.

Despite the significant increase in CAC for paper and board, it is essential to continue to focus on eco-sustainable solutions to protect our planet.

We are all called to play our part in reducing environmental impact and promoting the responsible use of resources.

Through a joint effort we can protect our planet for future generations.