ENI Seeks Injunction Against Bioplastics News: Independent Journalism Under Pressure
9 November 2026 | Bioplastics News
Italian energy multinational ENI has initiated urgent legal proceedings before the Tribunal of Rome, seeking restrictions on publications concerning the company and measures that could threaten the operation of independent websites.
On 3 November 2026, Axel Barrett, publisher of Bioplastics News, received formal notification of ENI’s application through a Belgian bailiff.
The proceedings, brought under Article 700 of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure, seek measures including the removal of certain online content, restrictions on the use of ENI’s trademarks, and the potential deactivation or transfer of eni-slapp.com.
A hearing is scheduled for 25 November 2026. The requested restrictions have not yet been granted.
Thirteen Years of Independent Reporting
Founded in December 2013, Bioplastics News has investigated the international bioplastics industry, including corporate financial performance, competition practices, regulatory developments and industrial controversies.
ENI, its subsidiary Versalis and Novamont have featured prominently in this reporting.
The website has also examined the history of the Italian plastics industry, including the Enimont affair, Raoul Gardini, the development of Novamont and the financial difficulties experienced by several bio-based chemical companies.
Following ENI’s latest legal action, Barrett’s Italian lawyer has advised him to temporarily refrain from commenting on the ongoing legal disputes until a defence strategy has been established.
This is the first time in thirteen years that one of Barrett’s lawyers has recommended restricting his editorial activities in connection with litigation.
Financial Pressure and Alleged Boycott
The latest proceedings follow a prolonged period of financial pressure affecting Bioplastics News.
Barrett believes that ENI and Novamont have played a significant role in undermining the financial sustainability of his independent publishing activities.
He also raises concerns about Novamont’s membership of European Bioplastics and what he describes as a commercial boycott affecting his publication.
These concerns reflect the publisher’s experience and allegations; they do not constitute an established finding that either company organized a boycott.
Combined with multiple legal proceedings, the deterioration of the publication’s financial position has made independent investigative reporting increasingly difficult.
A Belgian Publisher Facing Italian Proceedings
Barrett is based in Brussels, Belgium, where he conducts his professional activities.
He has no business establishment in Italy. His connection to the country arises primarily through his investigations into the Italian plastics and chemical industries.
Nevertheless, an Italian multinational is seeking restrictions on his publications through an Italian court.
For Barrett, this raises fundamental questions about freedom of expression, cross-border litigation and the protection of independent journalists under European anti-SLAPP legislation.
Personal and Professional Consequences
The combined financial and legal pressure has had a profound impact on Barrett’s professional activities, financial stability and physical and mental well-being.
Maintaining an independent publication while defending multiple lawsuits requires substantial financial resources, time and energy.
The publisher considers the situation particularly troubling because litigation can affect a journalist’s ability to continue investigating matters of public interest even before a court reaches a final decision.
Despite these pressures, Barrett remains committed to independent scrutiny of the European plastics industry.
What Happens Next?
The next hearing is scheduled for 25 November 2026 before the Tribunal of Rome.
Bioplastics News maintains its commitment to independent reporting on the European chemicals and plastics industries, including competition, corporate governance, financial transparency and environmental issues.
The objective remains unchanged: greater transparency, accountability and fair competition in the plastics industry.
P.S. — Previous Investigations, Competition Decisions and the Bio-on Affair
The ongoing litigation should also be considered alongside previous investigations published by Bioplastics News, including its reporting on the OXO Files, industry lobbying, competition practices and corporate controversies.
1. Novamont and ENI — €32 Million Competition Fine
On 24 June 2025, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) announced fines totalling approximately €32.06 million concerning Novamont’s abuse of a dominant position in Italian bioplastics markets, with ENI jointly liable for part of the penalty.
https://en.agcm.it/en/media/press-releases/2025/6/A573-
2. ENI — €336 Million Fuel Cartel Fine
On 26 September 2025, the AGCM imposed a €336.2 million fine on ENI following findings of anticompetitive coordination concerning the bio-component of motor fuel prices.
https://en.agcm.it/en/media/press-releases/2025/9/I864
3. Bio-on, Catia Bastioli and Quintessential Capital Management
Bioplastics News has also investigated the collapse of Italian PHA producer Bio-on in 2019, following a highly publicized short-selling campaign by Quintessential Capital Management, led by Gabriele Grego.
The investigation examines professional relationships involving Quintessential, individuals associated with Novamont and Catia Bastioli, Novamont’s former chief executive.
In December 2024, the Italian investigative television program Report (Rai 3) examined these relationships. According to the broadcast, Bastioli’s name appeared on a list of individuals whom Grego identified as having been consulted in preparing his Bio-on report.
This does not establish that Bastioli commissioned, financed or directed Quintessential’s investigation, or that she participated in improper trading activities.
The relationship nevertheless forms part of a broader public-interest discussion concerning competition, financial markets and potential conflicts of interest within the Italian bioplastics industry.
4. PHA Companies and Short-Selling Investment Firms
Bioplastics News has also compared the experiences of Bio-on and US-based Danimer Scientific, another PHA producer that faced activist short-selling campaigns.
The reporting examines the activities and professional connections of investors and firms including:
- Gabriele Grego — Quintessential Capital Management
- Ben Axler — Spruce Point Capital Management
- Carson Block — Muddy Waters Research
- John Hempton — Bronte Capital
These connections do not, by themselves, establish coordinated trading, financial collusion or responsibility for the companies’ financial difficulties.
Nevertheless, the role of activist short sellers, investor allegations, market reactions and subsequent legal proceedings remains a legitimate subject for independent financial journalism.
Related investigation:
5. European Bioplastics and the OXO Files
Bioplastics News has also published investigations examining European Bioplastics, Novamont’s participation in the association and lobbying concerning competing plastics technologies, including OXO-degradable plastics.
Related investigation:
These investigations address matters of public interest and do not, by themselves, establish unlawful conduct by any individual or company named.
Competition enforcement, corporate accountability, financial-market transparency and freedom of the press remain matters of legitimate public interest.
