From 2026, important changes will come into force on the front CONAI Environmental Contribution (CAC), with direct impacts on many types of packaging, including polyethylene liners, caps and sheets used in the industrial, food and logistics sectors.
In this article we explain what changes and how these changes can influence packaging choices for companies like those served by Teamplast Srl, use bags, covers and films in LDPE and HDPE.
Increased contribution for compostable bioplastics
From the July 1, 2026, the CAC for the compostable bioplastic packaging will pass by €130/ton to €246/ton, as established following the discussion between CONAI and Biorepack.
This increase is significant and should be carefully considered by companies using or intending to use compostable bags and liners, evaluating:
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Where does the product end up at the end of its life?: is it actually sent for composting?
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Technical performance: resistance, durability, thickness.
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The overall costs, including the environmental contribution.
In many cases, traditional recyclable polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE) is confirmed as a more balanced solution in terms of performance, recyclability and costs.
Plastic packaging: new contribution brackets from 2026
From the January 1, 2026 they also change CONAI contribution bands for plastic packaging. This directly impacts many products. supplied by Teamplast, including:
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Liners and caps for octabins and bins: they move from band A2 to A1.1 (with CAC reduced from €258/ton to €40/ton).
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PE sheets/covers for box and wagon covers: from band B2.2 to A2 (CAC reduced from €724/ton to €258/ton).
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Caps, labels, lids: specific updates depending on the material and coupling.
Furthermore:
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Packaging with PVC And carbon black they will always be placed in the band C, the most penalizing in terms of contribution, due to the poor recyclability.
What does this mean for Teamplast customers?
✅ Greater benefits for recyclable packaging
If you use PE caps, liners or sheets, the adjustment of the CONAI bands rewards products designed to be single-material and easily recyclable.
✅ Cost and design optimization
An efficient design, which uses LDPE or HDPE without critical additives, it can:
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Reduce CAC costs.
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Improve the environmental perception of packaging.
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Simplify sustainability communication to end customers.
✅ Compliance with future regulations
The rescheduling anticipates what is foreseen by the new European Packaging Regulation (PPWR), which will make mandatory:
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The use of recyclable materials.
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The minimum recycled content.
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The reduction of complex structures.
Exemptions from the environmental contribution
CONAI also provides for some exemptions:
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Primary packaging for medical and pharmaceutical devices, if destined for public health facilities or disposed of through the ASSINDE circuit.
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Specific articles or sectors regulated by particular procedures.
Check with your Teamplast consultant to see if your packaging is exempt.
Teamplast's commitment to sustainable design
We at Teamplast we closely follow regulatory developments to offer customized packaging solutions, sustainable and always compliant with the most up-to-date regulations.
Our support includes:
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Technical evaluation of the structures in use.
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Optimizing materials for recycling.
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Support in the CAC management for your packaging.
Contact us for a personalized consultation.
The new CONAI structure confirms a clear direction: rewarding those who invest in recyclable, simple and well-designed packaging.
For products like liners, body cover sheets and PE caps, today more than ever it is possible reduce the environmental contribution and improve the sustainable impact of packaging.
If you want to optimize your packaging according to the new directives, Teamplast is by your side.
Discover our solutions on www.teamplast-srl.it
