The management and traceability of plastic waste today represent a crucial challenge for companies operating in the recycling and circular economy sector. With the introduction of RENTRI (National Electronic Register for Waste Traceability), Italy takes a decisive step towards digitalization and more efficient control of waste flows. But what changes in practice with RENTRI? And how does Italy position itself compared to other European and non-EU countries?
What is RENTRI and why is it important for the traceability of plastic waste?
RENTRI is the new digital system introduced by the Italian Ministry of the Environment to simplify and make waste management more transparent. Its main objective is to improve traceability throughout the life cycle of waste, from production to disposal or recovery.
From an operational point of view:
- Digital chronological register: it replaces the old paper registers and the waste identification form (FIR).
- Real-time traceability: every movement of plastic waste is recorded electronically.
- Automated controls: authorities can monitor flows more quickly and effectively.
- Error reduction: digitalization limits the possibility of human errors in filling out documents.
Which Subjects Are Involved?
- Waste producers
- Transporters
- Treatment and disposal plants
- Intermediary entities
All these figures must register with RENTRI and adapt to the new operating methods within the deadlines set by the legislation.
Differences between Italy, Europe and Non-EU in the traceability of plastic waste
In Italy: the digital transition with RENTRI
- Electronic registration requirement.
- Penalties for those who do not comply.
- Single national system with interoperability for controls.
In Europe: patchy regulations
At European level there is not yet a unified system similar to RENTRI, but there are regulations that impose:
- Cross-border transport of waste (EC Regulation No. 1013/2006): obligation of notifications and specific documentation.
- Waste register in individual Member States: each country applies different procedures:
Germany: electronic register (eANV) already operational for years.
France: SYDEREP system for traceability and environmental reporting.
Spain: digital register but with regional models still heterogeneous.
In general, Northern European countries are more advanced in digitalization than those in the South.
Extra-EU: Uneven Regulations
USA: fragmented system at state level. Some states have advanced traceability, others less so.
China: very restrictive regulations on the import of plastic waste since 2018, but internal traceability evolving.
Developing countries: traceability often absent or poorly controlled, with high risks of illegal or unsustainable waste management.
The benefits of RENTRI for companies in the Plastics sector
- Increased management efficiency.
- Reduction of paper bureaucracy.
- Complete and transparent traceability.
- Possibility of integrating corporate digital systems (ERP).
- Ease of environmental controls and checks.
For companies like Germanplast, which has been involved in the regeneration and valorization of plastic waste for years, the adoption of RENTRI represents an opportunity to optimize processes and guarantee customers maximum transparency and reliability.
The future of plastic waste traceability
RENTRI marks a step change for Italy in sustainable waste management. Although Europe is moving towards greater harmonization, differences between countries remain significant. At a global level, the technological gap between developed countries and emerging economies still makes it difficult to create a truly international traceability chain.
For companies in the plastics sector, being ready for new regulatory challenges is not only an obligation, but a competitive advantage in a market increasingly oriented towards sustainability and circularity.
