Cart-One: BBP Innovation Day 2016

As of January 1st, 2022, all changes regarding the environmental contribution approved by the CONAI Board of Directors have come into effect, featuring a further reduction of the environmental contribution (CAC) for paper and cardboard packaging and for almost all plastic packaging.  This reduction, adding to those already established in 2021, is essentially linked to the prices of packaging raw materials, which continue to remain extremely high.   Reduction of the environmental contribution for paper and cardboard packaging  The CAC value for this type of packaging drops from €25/ton to €10/ton.  Considering that just at the beginning of 2021 the value stood at €55/ton, the overall reduction amounts to over 80%.   It should be noted, however, that the decrease in the environmental contribution will not affect the separate collection and recycling of paper and cardboard. In fact, COMIECO will continue to guarantee the startup of recycling operations for approximately 2.5 million tons, which has made it possible to achieve 87% recycling of cellulose-based packaging, a full 10 years ahead of European targets.  On the other hand, the values of the extra CAC applicable to the following remain unchanged:   Paper-based multi-material packaging, suitable for containing liquids, whose values amount to €30/ton;  Type C packaging (consisting of a cellulose component equal to or greater than 60% and less than 80%), whose values correspond to €120/ton  Type D packaging (with a cellulose component less than 60% or not specified), whose overall values correspond to €250/ton.  Reduction of the CAC for plastic packaging  The CAC has seen a reduction for nearly all packaging made of plastic materials.  In detail, the contribution for plastic packaging belonging to:  Band A1 (rigid and flexible packaging characterized by an efficient and consolidated sorting and recycling industrial chain, mostly managed within commercial and industrial circuits) is reduced from 150 to €104/ton.  Band B1 (packaging characterized by an effective and consolidated sorting and recycling industrial chain, mainly from the domestic circuit) is reduced from 208 to €149/ton.  Band B2 (other sortable/recyclable packaging from domestic and/or commercial and industrial circuits) goes from 560 to €520/ton.  Band C (packaging with experimental sorting/recycling activities underway or not sortable/recyclable with current technologies) from 660 to €642/ton.  Until June 30th, 2022, the contribution for packaging belonging to band A2 (flexible packaging with an effective and consolidated sorting and recycling industrial chain, predominantly from commercial and industrial circuits but significantly present in urban separate collection) will remain unchanged at €150/ton. Starting from July 1st, 2022, in conjunction with the higher costs of initiating recycling, the CAC value will increase to €168/ton.  Simplified procedures for imports  These reductions have also had an impact on the flat-rate/simplified procedures for importing filled packaging.  The rates to be applied to the overall value of imports are reduced from 0.20 to 0.17% for packaged food products and from 0.10 to 0.08% for packaged non-food products.  The contribution through the flat-rate calculation on the weight of packaging alone (tare) of imported goods drops from 101 to €90/ton.  To explore this topic further, you can consult the 2022 CONAI Environmental Contribution Guide. 

The Suez Canal, one of the most crucial waterways in the world, is currently at the center of a crisis that is significantly affecting global trade. Suez Canal crisis: the agri-food sector also pays the consequences. Military actions by the Yemeni Houthis have caused damage to commercial vessels and are jeopardizing international trade routes. In particular, the agri-food sector is among the hardest hit, with repercussions extending all the way to Italy. Read also: “Climate change and environmental impact: summer 2023 the hottest in history” The current situation in the Suez Canal The Yemeni armed group Houthi has entered the conflict between Israel and Palestine, attacking commercial vessels in the Suez Canal. While the Israeli defense system repelled Yemeni missiles during the conflict, commercial ships have sustained severe damage. Shipping giants like BP and MSC have suspended navigation in the area, causing a significant drop in the number of vessels crossing the canal. Impact on the Italian and global economy Tensions in the Suez Canal can have major implications for the Italian economy. The Suez Canal handles over 12% of world trade and over 40% of Italian maritime trade. In 2022, this value stood at 82.8 billion euros, with the transit being vital for Italian exports to Japan, China, India, and the Middle East. Risks for the fruit and vegetable sector The consequences of the crisis are also reflected in the Italian fruit and vegetable sector. Fruit exports to the Far and Middle East have suffered significant delays, with transit times increasing and transport costs rising. The Italian agri-food industry, which exported over 217 million kilograms of fruit last year, risks facing substantial losses. Future outlook and trade adaptations Trade operators are considering a revision of transport routes, anticipating longer journeys and increased costs. The closure of the Suez Canal has already caused a traffic reduction in the Red Sea, with potential negative effects on Italian ports such as Gioia Tauro, Taranto, Brindisi, Trieste, and Genoa. Operation Prosperity Guardian and operator doubts The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure the safety of commercial vessels, but over 130 ships have preferred to circumnavigate Africa instead. Shipping lines, such as Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd, are applying surcharges due to the additional costs resulting from route diversions. Economic impacts of the 2021 Suez Canal blockage The blockage of the Suez Canal in 2021, caused by the grounding of the ship Ever Given, demonstrated the significant impacts on world trade. Estimated economic losses during the six days of the blockage amounted to billions of dollars, highlighting the vulnerability of key trade routes. In conclusion, the crisis in the Suez Canal is already causing notable repercussions across various sectors, particularly on the Italian agri-food industry. As the world seeks solutions to this situation, it is crucial to closely monitor developments and adapt to the new challenges of international trade. See also: “Sustainability: recycling and reuse for a second life of materials”

Among the consequences of Coronavirus stands out the emergency of reorganizing professional environments in total safety and in full compliance with current regulations. The Green Spacer cardboard protective barriers have been specially designed to cope with this situation, with total respect for the environment. They have the same protective functions as plexiglass separators and advantageous prices. Green Spacer Protective Barriers: features and benefits Green Spacer screened safety devices are equipped of a PET window which guarantees: Perfect visibility and total sanitation; Product recyclability and disposal, with minimal impact on the environment Other features: Lightness and manageability: which do not in the least affect the stability of the product; Personalization: you can have your company or business logo printed; Sound absorption: no rebounding of the sound, an inevitable event with plexiglass barriers. Working in often crowded and noisy open space environments, sound insulation is essential for the proper conduct of activities. Green Spacer is also excellent for use in the school environment. This for two fundamental aspects: Cardboard safety: unlike an extremely heavy and fragile Plexiglass barrier, which at the first fall could turn into a potential danger for students, thanks to its lightness and flexibility, cardboard is totally safe. Feeling of tranquility: populating classes with colored protective barriers, in a period of uncertainty and fear, will transmit to the pupils feelings of security and tranquility. Green Spacer cardboard protective panels: how the project was born The project was born from the intelligence of SPG Design, an innovative company that capitalizes on the knowledge and experience of Sandra S.p.a. The Design line originates from the collaboration, focused on the production of sustainable packaging: aesthetically beautiful, colored, sustainable and functional cardboard objects and articles. In this context Green Spacer was born: cardboard protective barriers, eco-friendly and at advantageous prices.