Top 10 Biodegradable Food Containers Manufacturers in Italy (2026)

Italy occupies a unique position in the global biodegradable food packaging landscape — not merely as a manufacturing country, but as the country where the technology itself was largely invented. When Novamont’s researchers developed Mater-Bi® starch-based bioplastics in Novara in 1989, they established Italy as the intellectual origin point of Europe’s compostable packaging industry. That founding innovation created a downstream ecosystem of Italian manufacturers — from cellulose-tray specialists like BIOPAP to heritage food packaging groups like Coopbox and Sirap — that continues to set technical and regulatory benchmarks for the rest of the world.

The country’s regulatory leadership further reinforces Italy’s compostable packaging industry: Italy was among the first EU member states to implement mandatory separate collection of organic waste at national scale, creating one of Europe’s most mature composting infrastructure systems and a large domestic market that demands genuinely certified compostable packaging. The EU Green Deal, Single Use Plastics Directive, and Italy’s own extended producer responsibility frameworks have accelerated the transition across every segment of the Italian food packaging market.

This article profiles the top 10 biodegradable food container manufacturers in Italy — including company backgrounds, key highlights, recommended products, and certifications — to help buyers and specifiers make informed sourcing decisions.

1. Novamont

Inventor of Mater-Bi® — 35 Years of Starch-Based Bioplastics Innovation

Headquarters: Novara, Piedmont             Founded: 1989             Website: novamont.com

Novamont is the foundational company of the European bioplastics industry, established in 1989 in Novara from the research legacy of the Montedison chemical group. Its Mater-Bi® family of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics — made from non-GMO cornstarch, vegetable oils, and other renewable sources — is the material substrate that underpins a significant share of Europe’s compostable food packaging, bags, and cutlery. Novamont holds approximately 13% of the global bioplastic market and has filed over 100 patent families across 35 years of continuous R&D. Its integrated biorefinery model — linking agriculture, chemistry, and biodegradability in local production systems — has made it the intellectual and industrial anchor of Italy’s compostable packaging ecosystem. Novamont supplies Mater-Bi® resin to packaging manufacturers across Europe and beyond, making it the upstream engine behind many of the food containers on this list.

Key Highlights:

• Inventor and global leader of Mater-Bi® starch-based bioplastics; 100+ patent families; ~13% global bioplastic market share after 35 years R&D
• Integrated biorefinery model linking non-GMO agriculture, chemistry and biodegradability; cornerstone of Europe’s compostable packaging supply chain

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL & HOME | ASTM D6400 | ISO 14001 | EU Ecolabel | USDA BioPreferred

2. BIOPAP

Zero-CO₂ Cellulose Containers — Cook & Freeze to Cook & Serve on All Continents

Headquarters: Settimo Milanese, Milan             Founded: 2003             Website: biopap.com

BIOPAP is a Milan-area Benefit Company (Società Benefit) that has spent over 20 years developing what it describes as the world’s most performance-complete range of compostable food containers — trays and containers certified to function across the full temperature spectrum from freezer storage to conventional oven cooking. Operating from a purpose-built green facility in Settimo Milanese powered entirely by renewable energy including its own solar plants, BIOPAP achieved zero-CO₂ emission production — confirmed by a 2021 myclimate lifecycle assessment showing approximately 32% lower CO₂ versus equivalent aluminium containers. Its 2023 plant expansion doubled annual production capacity to 100 million containers. BIOPAP has received the Gulfood Manufacturing Best Packaging Innovation of the Decade award (2024) and the Sustainable Development Award 2025, and is certified by both EN 13432 (EU) and BPI/ASTM D6400 (US). Around 70% of its production is exported to markets spanning Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas.

Key Highlights:

• Zero-CO₂ production powered by own solar plant; 32% lower CO₂ than aluminium (myclimate LCA 2021); Gulfood Best Packaging Innovation of the Decade 2024
• Unique Cook & Freeze to Cook & Serve capability; 100M+ unit annual capacity; Benefit Company (Società Benefit); 70% exported globally

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | BPI Certified | ASTM D6400 & D6868 | ISO 9001 | PEFC Certified | USDA BioPreferred | Società Benefit

3. ILIP (IlipBio)

60-Year Packaging Heritage — IlipBio Compostable Tableware & Fresh-Food Containers

Headquarters: Bazzano, Emilia-Romagna             Founded: 1962             Website: ilip.it

ILIP is one of Italy’s most established food packaging companies, founded in 1962 in Bazzano, Emilia-Romagna, and now part of the ILPA Group with its closed-loop R-PET recycling system. The company produces a broad range of food packaging solutions spanning disposable tableware, fresh-produce packaging, and compostable containers under its IlipBio line — made from Novamont’s Mater-Bi® cornstarch bioplastic and PLA, certified to EN 13432. With approximately 122 employees, ILIP serves clients across the foodservice and agricultural retail sectors in Italy and across Europe, regularly presenting its latest sustainable packaging innovations at major industry trade shows. Its six-decade heritage gives it deep expertise in food-contact material compliance and a stable, well-established supply chain.

Key Highlights:

• Founded 1962; IlipBio compostable line uses Mater-Bi® (Novamont) and PLA; EN 13432 certified; serves European foodservice and agricultural retail
• Part of ILPA Group with closed-loop R-PET recycling system; 60+ years of food-contact material compliance expertise

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL | ISO 9001 | ILPA Group Member

4. Huhtamaki Italy

Global Packaging Group’s Italian Operations — Fiber & Paperboard Food Containers at Scale

Headquarters: Italy (multiple plants)             Founded: 1920 (global); Italy operations est.             Website: huhtamaki.com

Huhtamaki’s Italian operations form part of the Finnish global packaging giant’s extensive European manufacturing network, producing molded fiber food containers, paperboard cups, and sustainable food trays for major Italian and European QSR chains, food manufacturers, and retailers. Huhtamaki’s global commitment to 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2030 is actively implemented across its Italian facilities, backed by the group’s global R&D pipeline and its position as one of the largest paperboard food container producers in the world. For Italian and European buyers seeking enterprise-scale supply of certified fiber-based food packaging, Huhtamaki’s Italian operations offer the reliability and capacity of a major public company combined with genuine proximity to the European market.

Key Highlights:

• Global packaging leader’s Italian operations; 2030 target of 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging across all product lines
• Enterprise-scale molded fiber and paperboard food containers for Italian and European QSR chains and food manufacturers

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | FSC Certified | ISO 14001 | SFI Certified | FDA Food-Safe

5. Canapack Group

Ovenable Aluminium & Compostable Hybrid Containers — Premium Italian Food Sector

Headquarters: Italy             Founded: 1970s             Website: canapack.it

Canapack Group is an Italian manufacturer specialising in aluminium and hybrid food containers for the premium food sector, with product lines spanning ovenable aluminium trays, portion containers, and biodegradable alternative options for food manufacturers and retailers. The company’s containers are widely used across Italy and Europe in the premium ready-meal, bakery, and catering segments — sectors where ovenable performance and presentation quality are as important as sustainability credentials. Canapack’s combination of aluminium expertise and its biodegradable container lines makes it a distinctive player in the Italian food packaging market, serving clients who require high-performance containers suitable for both conventional and induction oven applications.

Key Highlights:

• Specialist in ovenable aluminium and compostable hybrid containers for premium Italian food, bakery, and catering segments
• Strong Italian and European distribution in premium ready-meal and portion-packaging sectors requiring high oven-performance standards

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 (compostable lines) | ISO 9001 | FDA Food-Safe | Italian Food Packaging Standards

6. Coopbox Group

50-Year Fresh-Food Packaging Leader — PLA Compostable Trays for MAP & Retail

Headquarters: Reggio Emilia, Emilia-Romagna             Founded: 1972             Website: coopbox.com

Coopbox was founded in 1972 in Reggio Emilia as part of CCPL, one of Italy’s major industrial cooperative groups, and has grown into one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of packaging and wrapping systems for fresh food, with a turnover exceeding €100 million and 620+ employees across operations in Italy, Spain, Slovakia, and France. The company is best known for its NaturalBox PLA compostable tray — launched in 2005 in partnership with NatureWorks — which uses foamed PLA resin at 75% reduced density to produce a lightweight, sturdy compostable tray compatible with MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) lidding films. NaturalBox trays have been commercially deployed for organic chicken, fresh seafood, and processed meat applications across Europe, making Coopbox a technically validated reference for buyers seeking compostable MAP-compatible food trays.

Key Highlights:

• NaturalBox PLA compostable tray (launched 2005): foamed PLA at 75% reduced density; MAP-compatible; commercially proven for organic poultry, seafood & meat
• Founded 1972; €100M+ turnover; 620+ employees; operations in Italy, Spain, Slovakia, France; part of CCPL cooperative group

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | FDA Food-Safe | CCPL Cooperative Group

7. Sirap Group

60-Year Brescia Heritage — MAP Food Trays & Compostable Packaging for European Retail

Headquarters: Verolanuova, Brescia             Founded: 1961             Website: sirap.com

Sirap Group is a Brescia-based packaging manufacturer with over 60 years of history, producing rigid plastic and compostable food trays for fresh produce and processed food packaging across European retail markets. The company specialises in MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) trays — containers designed to extend the shelf life of fresh meat, fish, and vegetables in retail settings — and has developed compostable lines to meet growing European regulatory and retailer sustainability requirements. With manufacturing operations in Italy and export relationships across the EU, Sirap serves major European food processors and supermarket chains seeking technically validated food trays that combine shelf-life performance with end-of-life compostability.

Key Highlights:

• 60+ years of MAP food tray expertise; compostable lines meeting EU Green Deal and Italian SUP regulation requirements
• Supplies major European food processors and supermarket chains; strong technical capability in fresh food shelf-life packaging

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | FDA Food-Safe | EU Food Contact Regulations

8. Polo Plast

100% Made in Italy — Compostable Ice Cream Cups, Dessert Containers & EU SUP-Compliant Cutlery

Headquarters: Mogliano Veneto, Treviso             Founded: 1985             Website: poloplast.it

Polo Plast is a Treviso-based Italian manufacturer specialising in food containers for the cold dessert, dairy, and foodservice sectors, with a comprehensive range of 100% compostable certified products made entirely in Italy. The company produces compostable ice cream cups, yogurt cups, dessert containers, portion pots, and plant-based cutlery that are fully compliant with the EU Single Use Plastics Directive — a combination of product categories that fills a distinct niche among Italy’s compostable packaging manufacturers. Its compostable range is certified to EN 13432 and uses certified compostable bioplastic materials, offering foodservice operators, ice cream parlours, gelaterias, and dairy brands a single Italian source for their certified sustainable packaging needs. Polo Plast’s 100% Made in Italy positioning and sector specialisation give it strong credibility in the premium Italian food and dessert market.

Key Highlights:

• 100% Made in Italy; specialist in compostable ice cream cups, yogurt cups and dessert containers for gelaterias, dairy brands and foodservice
• Full EU SUP Directive compliant plant-based cutlery range alongside certified compostable container lines; EN 13432 certified

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | EU SUP Directive Compliant | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL | 100% Made in Italy

9. Plast Puglia

Southern Italy Bioplastic Film & Compostable Container Producer — Agricultural Sector Focus

Headquarters: Puglia, Southern Italy             Founded: 1990s             Website: plastpuglia.it

Plast Puglia is a Puglia-based manufacturer of bioplastic films and compostable food containers, with a particular focus on serving the agricultural and food processing sectors of Southern Italy. The company produces EN 13432 certified compostable bags, films, and food containers made from bioplastic materials, supplying local and national markets with compostable alternatives to conventional plastic packaging. Its location in Puglia — one of Italy’s most productive agricultural regions — positions it as a natural partner for fresh produce growers and food processors requiring compostable packaging that can be processed alongside organic waste in Italy’s well-developed composting infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

• Puglia-based bioplastic film and compostable container producer; specialist in agricultural and fresh produce applications
• EN 13432 certified; serves Southern Italy’s agricultural sector where composting infrastructure is deeply integrated

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | OK Compost INDUSTRIAL | ISO 9001 | Italian Food Contact Standards

10. Novaplast

Traditional Italian Food Packaging Manufacturer with Compostable Tray Lines

Headquarters: Italy             Founded: 1970s             Website: novaplast.it

Novaplast is a long-established Italian food packaging manufacturer producing a broad range of disposable and compostable food trays, containers, and tableware for the Italian catering, retail, and foodservice sectors. With decades of experience serving Italian food chains, supermarkets, and institutional catering operators, the company has developed compostable product lines to complement its conventional packaging portfolio, responding to Italy’s progressive adoption of the EU Single Use Plastics Directive and domestic compostable packaging legislation. Its established domestic distribution network and Italian food sector expertise make it a reliable supply partner for operators seeking both conventional and certified compostable food packaging from a single Italian source.

Key Highlights:

• Long-established Italian manufacturer with compostable tray lines for catering, retail and institutional foodservice
• Broad domestic distribution network; serves Italian supermarkets, food chains and catering operators with both conventional and compostable options

Recommended Products:

Certifications: EN 13432 | ISO 9001 | EU SUP Directive Compliant | Italian Food Safety Standards

Conclusion

Italy’s biodegradable food container industry is defined by its unusual depth: from Novamont’s foundational Mater-Bi® bioplastic technology to BIOPAP’s zero-CO₂ cellulose trays, from ILIP’s six-decade food packaging heritage to Coopbox’s commercially proven NaturalBox MAP tray — the Italian market offers buyers a technically sophisticated, certification-rigorous range of compostable food packaging options that few other national markets can match.

For international buyers, Italy’s manufacturers are particularly strong in two areas where other markets lag: high-performance compostable containers suitable for oven, MAP, and modified-atmosphere applications, and the upstream bioplastic material science that underpins much of Europe’s compostable packaging supply chain. The companies profiled in this article represent the strongest options across each of these dimensions.

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