I was raised with the idea that there were three great cuisines in the world: Italian, French and Chinese. Greek food was always respected, but rarely placed in the same category. Today, Greek cuisine has a golden opportunity to challenge Italy’s cuisine.
My forecast is that Italy will eventually face a major microplastic controversy linked to the extensive use of compostable and soil-biodegradable plastics, particularly in agriculture and food packaging. Early studies are already raising concerns about microplastic accumulation in soils, and more research will follow. If these concerns begin damaging confidence in Italian agriculture and food products, Greece could emerge as one of the main beneficiaries.
There is also a political and industrial dimension. The Italian state is a major shareholder in Eni, whose subsidiary Versalis owns Novamont, a leading producer of compostable and biodegradable plastics. Italy has also pushed to preserve broader use of compostable packaging under the PPWR. If a future contamination crisis emerges, the government will therefore carry part of the responsibility.
Greece could hit the jackpot, but only if it prepares early. It should ban compostable and soil-biodegradable plastics and sharply restrict agricultural plastic films. The objective should be clear: by the time a plastics controversy erupts in Italy, consumers should already associate Greek food with cleaner soils, lower plastic exposure and, ultimately, a microplastic-free image.