The Italian National Environmental Protection Agency Network (SNPA) has published updated guidelines titled "Emissioni Odorigene: Elementi di Riferimento e Approcci Metodologici per il Monitoraggio" (Odour Emissions: Reference Elements and Methodological Approaches for Monitoring). This technical document, approved in January 2025, replaces the 2018 framework and introduces cutting-edge solutions to address one of Italy's most persistent environmental challenges: odour pollution.

   Developed by specialists from 20+ regional environmental agencies (ARPA) and ISPRA, the guidelines reflect Italy's most comprehensive odour management strategy to date. Because this guideline is written mainly by regulators, it has an extensive chapter on the diferent regulations related to odour management nationwide and also at a regional and a local scale. There you will see Italy's fragmented regulatory landscape, with regions adopting different approaches to odour management ranging from composting regulations (Lombardy) to integrated prevention measures (Basilicata). The SNPA 2025 guidelines aim to harmonize these framework.

   The European Commission's new Best Available Techniques Reference Document for the Smitheries and Foundries Industry (SF BREF), has been recently published on 6 December 2024. This BREF establishes stringent guidelines aimed at reducing the environmental impact of foundries and smitheries across the European Union, with an emphasis on odour management and control.

   Odour management emerges as a key focus in this new SF BREF, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of industrial odours on local communities. The document introduces new approaches to odour control, including mandatory implementation of odour management plans and advanced monitoring techniques. These new provisions represent a significant shift from the previous BREF, highlighting the increasing importance of addressing odour issues in the industry.