NOVAMONT EXPRESSES SURPRISE AND REGRET OVER AGCM DECISION, WHICH PENALISES VIRTUOUS SYSTEM-WIDE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION BY CLASSIFYING IT AS ABUSE OF DOMINANT POSITION
The company will assert its rights in judicial proceedings
Novara, 24th June 2025 – Novamont expresses its surprise and firmly disagrees with the decision announced today by the Italian Competition Authority (Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato, AGCM), which found the company responsible for abusing a dominant position in the national markets for raw materials used to produce lightweight and ultra-lightweight bags for fruit and vegetables. The company will assert its rights in judicial proceedings.
Now part of Versalis (Eni), Novamont was established as a start-up in bioplastics, a sector that did not yet exist. It has invested in scientific research and developed its own technologies, reindustrialised six decommissioned industrial sites and built a network of partnerships, thereby creating a more sustainable production model rooted across Italy. This model enables the generation of raw materials for biodegradable and compostable bioplastics, aligned with more sustainable consumption patterns and with a particular focus on the valorisation of organic waste. Novamont supports its partners in developing new applications and solutions, offering technical assistance, support with the certification of final products and access to new experimental materials.
In a context where – according to Plastic Consult, an independent research institute – at least one in four bags in the market is non-compliant with the law, Novamont has consistently worked to promote quality and safety. The company ensures that its partner converters comply with the strict specifications required for branded products, while also raising awareness among large retailers of the importance of offering consumers reliable and environmentally sustainable products.
In its final ruling, however, the AGCM failed to take into account the logic that is typical of innovation. Throughout the proceedings, Novamont clearly demonstrated why the objections raised were unfounded and submitted all the supporting evidence to confirm that its commercial practices were fair and aimed at safeguarding innovation, quality and value in the Italian market.
This decision discourages scientific research, technology, and the search for sustainable products in line with the ecological transition in Italy, which will instead favor the imports of products that are not always of comparable quality.
NOVAMONT - Francesca De Sanctis - +39 340 1166426
francesca.desanctis@novamont.com
www.novamont.com