BAT and EU Directive 2024/1785: Innovation and Sustainability for Industry.
A New Chapter in Environmental Regulations.

With the publication of Directive 2024/1785, the European Union strengthens its commitment to preventing and reducing industrial pollution, expanding the scope of Directive 2010/75/EU. The new regulatory framework places even greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, production efficiency, and the protection of the climate and human health.

In Italy, Directive 2010/75/EU had already been transposed through Legislative Decree 46/2014, which introduced the concept of BAT (Best Available Techniques). With the 2024 update, these regulations become more stringent and are integrated with long-term goals for a circular and climate-neutral economy.

What are BATs and why are they important?

BATs (Best Available Techniques) represent the best available methods to reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities while ensuring economic efficiency. They are technological and management solutions that include:

• Reduction of pollutant emissions into air, water, and soil.
• Optimization of raw materials, energy, and water consumption.
• Prevention and efficient waste management, promoting circularity.

BATs are detailed in the BAT Reference Documents (BREFs), which are periodically updated to reflect technological innovations. The BAT conclusions form the basis for issuing Integrated Environmental Authorisations (IEAs).

Which companies are required to comply with BATs?

BATs (Best Available Techniques) must be complied with by all industrial activities falling within the scope of Directive 2010/75/EU, which regulates industrial emissions. In particular, companies and plants carrying out activities listed in Annex I of the Directive—such as paper, textile, and food industries or chemical companies—are required to adopt them.

These are all companies that have a significant environmental impact by using technologies and industrial processes that are potentially polluting; therefore, they must comply with the limits and efficiency requirements defined in the BAT conclusions.

The new features of Directive 2024/1785

This directive introduces important updates for industrial plants:

1. Extension of the scope
   The reach of BATs is expanded to include new emerging techniques and specific associated environmental performance levels.

2. Corporate Transformation Plan
   Industrial plants are required to prepare a transformation plan for the period 2030–2050, outlining how the company will contribute to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy.

3. Mandatory Environmental Management System
   Companies must implement systems that include measures to prevent waste, reduce hazardous substances, and periodically monitor their environmental performance.

4. Stricter Penalties
   For violations, Member States must establish proportionate administrative and criminal penalties. For serious breaches, fines can reach up to 3% of annual turnover.

5. Compensation for Damage to Human Health
   For violations, compensation is provided.

Implementation Timelines

The Directive was published on 15 July 2024, will enter into force on 4 August 2024, and must be transposed by Member States by 1 July 2026.