Italy: Digital packaging info develops

Melita Kiely

Rome: Consumers in Italy will be able to access digital information about spirits packaging, nutrition and recycling via a single QR code from January.

The QR code stems from a partnership between European e-label platform for wines and spirits U-Label, and Italy-based Giunko, developed by Junker App to facilitate waste-sorting for European citizens.

From 1 January 2023, wines and spirits sold in Italy will be obliged to inform consumers about the product’s packaging. Mandatory information will include packaging materials, recyclability, and nutritional information, including a list of ingredients.

Ulrich Adam, director general of Spirits Europe, said: “EU digital labelling rules for wines and the Italian legislation on digital packaging information show that e-labels work and are here to stay.

“We call on the European Commission to allow and regulate digital labels for all food and drink products in the upcoming proposal for a regulation on food information to consumers.

“In addition, we call on EU member states to follow the Italian example and allow for the use of digital labelling solutions to provide product-specific packaging and recycling information to consumers.”

In June this year, Jameson Irish whiskey owner Pernod Ricard revealed its digital-label system, designed to improve the company’s transparency on product content and health information.