Suez Canal crisis: the agri-food sector also pays the consequences

The Italian agri-food sector looks with growing concern at the possible introduction of new customs tariffs by the United States, a measure that could heavily penalize Made in Italy exports and have direct repercussions on the food packaging supply chain as well. US tariffs: impact on agri-food and packaging. Italy, with over 67 billion euros in agri-food exports in 2024, recorded an 8% growth compared to the previous year, confirming its position among the main exporting countries in the world. However, the hypothesis of new US tariff barriers risks slowing down this positive trend. Read also: “New CAC 2025 rates: what changes for paper, wood, glass, and plastic” Why US tariffs worry Italy According to Denis Pantini, Head of Agri-Food at Nomisma, the additional tariffs are part of a strategy to rebalance the American trade balance, which has long been in deficit towards the European Union. The deficit exceeds 200 billion dollars for goods, although it softens when considering the trade of services. Right in the crosshairs could end up Italian agri-food products, which are the most exposed to exports towards the US among all EU countries, with a share of 12% of the total value of sector exports. The Italian products most at risk of tariffs Many of the symbolic products of the Made in Italy agri-food sector depend significantly on the US market. Among the most exposed we find: Cider (72%), Pecorino Romano and Fiore Sardo PDO (57%), White wines from Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia (48%), Toscana red wines PDO (40%), Extra virgin olive oil (32%), Vinegars (30%), mineral waters (28%), and also Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano (17%). These are significant percentages, which make it clear how closely Italian agri-food exports are tied to the American market. The most exposed Italian regions The economic consequences will not be distributed evenly. Some Italian regions, particularly in Central and Southern Italy, risk greater impacts. Sardegna is the most vulnerable: it produces over 90% of Pecorino Romano PDO and sends 49% of its agri-food exports to the United States. Followed by Toscana, where oil represents 42% of exports towards the US and wines 33%. Lazio also exports 58% of its olive oil to the US, while Abruzzo sends 28% of its pasta and bakery products. In Campania, 26% of wine exports are destined for the American market. Packaging for export: a strategy to react to tariffs In the midst of this uncertain scenario, food packaging can play a key role in facing the changes imposed by the international context. Rethinking packaging becomes a priority. Investing in sustainable, efficient packaging optimized for logistics means reducing costs, increasing product attractiveness, and adapting more easily to alternative markets. Smart packaging helps businesses position themselves better even in contexts where competitiveness is played out on details such as traceability, food safety, aesthetic appeal, and environmental impact. Cart-One alongside agri-food businesses In a market increasingly influenced by geopolitical and commercial factors, Cart-One proposes itself as a strategic partner for Italian companies, offering customized and export-ready packaging solutions. Our corrugated cardboard boxes, studied for the needs of the agri-food sector, meet international standards and are designed to enhance every product with efficiency, aesthetics, and sustainability. Do you need a more competitive, sustainable packaging ready to overcome new barriers? Cart-One is ready to accompany you with tailor-made solutions for the Italian agri-food sector of today... and tomorrow. Contact us for more information. See also: “Sustainable packaging: what influences Italian consumers' purchases”

The Legislative Decree implementing EU Directive 2019/904 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (SUP Directive) has been adopted by the Government, which ensured the alignment of the national legal framework with European regulations. In line with European guidelines, Italy has planned a series of measures to promote the transition toward a circular economy while simultaneously ensuring a reduction in the consumption of single-use products. In particular, products such as beverage cups and food containers. The Government deemed it appropriate to introduce an important distinction among these products: the exemption for plastic coatings present in quantities of less than 10% of the weight of the item, which do not constitute a main structural component of the finished products. This exception allows the use and subsequent disposal of cups and other single-use items made of poly-coated paper. This important distinction satisfies the paper and printing industry, according to the director of the Paper and Graphics Federation, Massimo Medugno, and the Comieco Consortium, Carlo Montalbetti: “The decree implementing the single-use plastics directive, in the text definitively approved by the latest Council of Ministers, represents an important point of balance between environmental protection and support for strategic supply chains for the development of the circular economy.” Medugno and Montalbetti emphasize that this creates "…adequate conditions to guarantee the production and distribution system the possibility to run out of stocks of what has already been produced and placed on the market, thereby avoiding the risk of massive food waste on products already packaged and not yet sent for distribution.” Other government interventions will aim to raise consumer awareness regarding the responsible use of plastic products, to be replaced over time with sustainable and reusable alternatives, as well as penalizing violations of these provisions.

From July 1, 2025, the new rates for CAC Environmental Contributions for paper, wood, glass, and plastic packaging will come into force. These changes, established by CONAI in collaboration with the Rilegno, Corepla, Comieco, and Coreve consortia, aim to maintain the economic sustainability of recycling chains and promote a more efficient circular economy. New CAC 2025 rates: what changes for paper, wood, glass, and plastic. Let's discover together in detail the introduced changes, how they will influence companies, and what strategies to adopt to optimize packaging management. Read also: “CE marking of machinery: what changes with the EU/2023/1230 regulation” Why are the new CAC rates necessary? The modulation of the CAC stems from the need to guarantee the financial balance of the consortia responsible for the collection, sorting, and recycling of different packaging materials. In recent years, changes in the raw materials market and a decline in revenues from the sale of recycled materials have put pressure on the system, requiring a structural intervention to maintain the sustainability of operational activities. In particular, the new rates aim to: Support supply chain consortia in their recycling activities. Adjust contributions to the actual management costs of packaging waste. Promote greater environmental responsibility among companies that place packaging on the market. Paper packaging: more tiers and benefits for certified composites For the paper sector, the contribution tiers will increase from six to eight, with greater granularity in packaging classification. This choice will allow the contribution to be applied more fairly and reward companies that choose more sustainable packaging solutions. The main changes include: Introduction of benefits for certified composites in categories B1 and C1, which could benefit from reduced rates. One-year trial: A trial period will allow monitoring the impact of the new rates and making any adjustments based on the results obtained. Operational guidelines: CONAI and Comieco will shortly publish guidelines to help companies adapt correctly to the new criteria, with particular attention to small companies that place minimal volumes of composite packaging on the market. Wood packaging: a gradual increase to support Rilegno Wood packaging will also see an increase in the environmental contribution, which will rise from 7 €/ton to 9 €/ton. This modification has been designed to support the Rilegno consortium, ensuring the coverage of management costs and maintaining financial balance. Why this increase? The wood sector is facing challenges related to the decline in revenues from the sale of recycled material. The increase in the CAC allows collection and recycling operations to remain active, avoiding disruptions in the service. This is an adjustment that had been planned for some time, part of a long-term financial stabilization plan. Glass packaging: environmental contributions doubled in two phases The environmental contribution for glass packaging will undergo a significant increase in two phases: From July 1, 2025: The CAC will rise from 15 €/ton to 35 €/ton. From January 1, 2026: Further increase to 40 €/ton. What led to this decision? Market difficulties: the Coreve consortium reported a drastic reduction in revenues from the sale of recycled materials. Drop in auction prices: in the last auction of October 2024, prices fell to a quarter compared to the beginning of the year, heavily impacting the consortium's budget. Increase in operational costs: the return of large quantities of glass packaging waste generated an increase in management costs, making a revision of the environmental contribution necessary. Plastic packaging: rates modulated for all nine tiers For plastic packaging, the nine contribution tiers in force since 2023 will remain unchanged, but the rates will be updated. Corepla recorded a 4.6% increase in collected plastic packaging waste, with a consequent increase in management and sorting costs. New CAC Rates for Plastic (from July 1, 2025) A1.1: From 24.00 €/ton to 40.00 €/ton. A1.2: From 90.00 €/ton to 87.00 €/ton. A2: From 220,00 €/ton to 258.00 €/ton. B1.1: From 224.00 €/ton to 219.00 €/ton. B1.2: From 233.00 €/ton to 228.00 €/ton. B2.1: From 441.00 €/ton to 611.00 €/ton. B2.2: From 589.00 €/ton to 724.00 €/ton. B2.3: From 650.00 €/ton to 785.00 €/ton. C: From 655.00 €/ton to 790.00 €/ton. How to prepare for the new CACs? The support of Cart-One Companies in the packaging sector will need to adapt quickly to these new rates, reviewing their packaging and waste management strategies. Cart-One offers innovative solutions to: Optimize the use of packaging materials, choosing lighter and more recyclable solutions that reduce CAC costs. Avoid overpackaging, proposing smart packaging that minimizes waste. Support companies in the transition towards sustainable packaging, helping them comply with new regulations and improve their environmental footprint. Facing 2025 with the right solutions The modulation of environmental contributions represents a challenge, but also an opportunity to rethink packaging strategies from a sustainable perspective. Preparing at best means adopting solutions that not only comply with the new regulations but also improve the company's operational efficiency and competitiveness. Cart-One is ready to guide you along this path, offering the necessary support to transform your packaging into a true strategic asset. Want to know more about how to optimize your packaging in view of the new CACs? Contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how our solutions can help you make a difference! You might also be interested in: “Food product labeling: what changes with the new MIMIT guidelines” Source: ItaliaImballaggio