In the context of the ecological transition, Italy stands out in Europe for its concrete approach to the circular economy, particularly in the sector of packagingAt the heart of this virtuous system is the CONAI, National Packaging Consortium, which has been coordinating and promoting the recycling and recovery of materials on a national scale for years. In this article we analyze how the system works CONAI, the supply chain consortia, the founding principles of theEPR and the challenges related to the sustainable management of packaging.
What is the CONAI system and how does it work?
The CONAI (National Packaging Consortium) It is a private system with compulsory participation, established to ensure the achievement of the Recycling targets and recovery provided for by European and Italian regulations. The consortium operates according to the principle of shared responsibility, involving producers, users and public administrations in the management of the end-of-life of packaging.
Companies that produce or use packaging must register with CONAI and pay a environmental contribution (CAC), which finances separate waste collection and recycling activities. Revenues are reinvested to support Italian municipalities and ensure the recycling of collected packaging.
The six supply chain consortia
The CONAI system is divided into six supply chain consortia, each dedicated to a specific material:
- COREPLA – plastic
- COMIECO – paper and cardboard
- CIAL - aluminum
- RECREATE - steel
- COREVE - glass
- BIOREPACK – compostable bioplastic (added in 2021)
These consortia guarantee the recovery and recycling of materials released for consumption, developing agreements with municipalities for the collection of differentiated waste and supporting communication and research initiatives. Each consortium annually publishes data, reports and objectives achieved, contributing to the transparency of the system.
The principle of EPR (extended producer responsibility)
There EPR – Extended Producer Responsibility is the principle on which the entire CONAI system is based. According to this model, packaging producers are directly responsible for managing their environmental impact, from design to the end of the product's life cycle.
In practice, this means:
- design easily recyclable packaging
- minimize the use of mixed or difficult-to-separate materials
- contribute economically to the management and recycling system
The EPR principle is also becoming central at European level, with the new PPWR regulation strengthening the obligations for producers and aiming to make all packaging reusable or recyclable by 2030.
Packaging and recycling: Italy towards an efficient circular economy
Thanks to the CONAI system and the collaboration with over 7,200 Italian municipalities, Italy has achieved excellent results in the collection and recycling of packaging. According to official data:
- Beyond 10 million tons of packaging waste was sent for recycling in 2022
- The overall recycling rate has passed the 73%, ahead of EU targets
- More than 90% of the Italian population it is served by separate waste collection systems
In particular, there has been a strong improvement in the quality of the collected materials, thanks to information campaigns and investments in increasingly efficient selection plants.
The challenges of plastic, paper, glass and metal packaging
Despite the good results, the packaging sector faces complex challenges related to the diversity of materials and their management:
- Plastic: need to increase the share of regenerated plastic, combat dispersion and improve the quality of the harvest.
- Paper: challenge linked to the presence of non-cellulosic materials and the saturation of recycling plants.
- Glass: improving selective collection to reduce material pollution.
- Metals (steel and aluminum): enhancement of urban waste collection and promotion of the culture of domestic recycling.
New technologies, together with greater consumer engagement and sustainable packaging design, are key to overcoming these obstacles.
The Italian model of circular economy applied to packaging is a concrete example of efficiency and shared responsibility. The system CONAI, through the supply chain consortia and the principle EPR, demonstrates how it is possible to transform waste into resources, generating environmental and economic benefits. However, there is no shortage of challenges, and it will be essential to continue investing in innovation, information and collaboration between public and private actors to ensure a sustainable future for the packaging system.
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