An alliance against “fake compostable products”

Milan, 20 May 2024 –  Sharing data and information to improve initiatives to control and combat the proliferation of fake biodegradable carrier bags and non-compostable bioplastic packaging: this is the aim of the memorandum of understanding signed by Assobioplastiche, Biorepack (the Italian national consortium for the organic recycling of plastic packaging) and TÜV AUSTRIA, which has one of the best-known certification logos for compostable products.

This alliance is needed now more than ever. Not just to promote the separate collection of compostable bioplastics, and therefore of food waste, but also to protect citizens from the health and environmental consequences of the spread of “fake compostable products” and help consolidate the sector for legal producers, which face unfair competition from those who flout the rules.

“Violations of current laws, which for years have prohibited the use of traditional plastic bags for shopping and fruit and vegetables, inflict financial losses on those operators who work honestly,” said Luca Bianconi, president of Assobioplastiche. “In addition, this constitutes illegal dumping because production costs for non-compostable products are much lower, and they have a much greater impact on the environment. It is therefore essential to create synergies between the different operators in the sector in order to work effectively to combat illegal practices.”

Illegal shopping bags are associated with a whole range of violations: a common example is the sale of bags for shopping or loose food items that do not meet legal requirements (certifications for biodegradability, compostability and renewability, and related labelling). And in many cases, counterfeit compostability certification logos are printed on bags that do not comply with standard EN 13432. There are also instances, albeit less common than the ones mentioned above, of bags that are certified as compostable, but which, after obtaining the certification, are produced with significant levels of polyethylene, a raw material banned from carrier bags which is used to cut production costs.

These violations damage the image of legal producers, make it harder for citizens to practice separate waste collection and have a negative effect on the amount of compost produced in treatment plants using organic waste and compostable products.

“The public is misled by the proliferation of non-compostable bags and rigid items, which end up being disposed of together with organic waste. As a result, digestion and composting plants are forced to implement a series of measures to remove non-compostable materials,” explained Marco Versari, president of the Biorepack consortium. “Analysis by our consortium has shown that each kilogram of non-compostable material found in food waste removes 1-2 kg of organic waste from processing. This therefore reduces the amount of compost produced while increasing the amount of waste that must be sent to waste-to-energy plants, or worse still, disposed of in landfill. This is why Biorepack must take steps to combat all illegal activities in the sector.”

Thanks to this agreement, Assobioplastiche, Biorepack and TÜV AUSTRIA will work on unlawful practices involving compostable bioplastic products displaying conformity marks issued by TÜV AUSTRIA, which will provide a list of products it has certified and of the misleading and improper use of its marks.

“The certifications issued by TÜV AUSTRIA are among the best-known by consumers across Europe. They guarantee the quality of certified products and help ensure the correct collection of compostable materials,” said Crescenzo Di Fratta, CEO of TÜV AUSTRIA Italia. “Illegal packaging, especially when it unlawfully displays our logo, undermines the credibility of the certification system, and it is therefore of vital importance for us to fight it. The agreement signed with Assobioplastiche and Biorepack will enable us to work together and protect companies that truly respect the environment and operate within the law.”

PRESS INFORMATION

UFFICIO STAMPA ASSOBIOPLASTICHE

Giuseppe Iasparra
press@assobioplastiche.org
Tel. 06 48.27.748
Mob: +39 349. 08.42.408

UFFICIO STAMPA BIOREPACK

Barabino & Partners S.p.A
Serena Galdo
s.galdo@barabino.it
Mob: +39 345.14.64.356 

Domenico Lofano
d.lofano@barabino.it
Mob: +39 334.14.12.995

UFFICIO STAMPA TUV AUSTRIA

Crescenzo Di Fratta
c.difratta@tuvaustriaitalia.com
Tel. 030 98 21 049