This law “aims to accelerate the shift in production and consumption patterns in order to reduce waste and preserve natural resources, biodiversity, and the climate. It is part of the implementation of the 2004 Environmental Charter.”

Toward the End of Waste:

By 2030, household waste per capita must be reduced by 15%, and waste from economic activities by 5%. “The law also sets a target of 1,001 TP3T made from recycled plastic by 2025 as well as the Ending the marketing of single-use plastic packaging by 2040. ”Recycling, reuse, and reduction of this packaging are encouraged through several measures aimed at reducing single-use plastic.”.

• 2021, a ban on straws, disposable cutlery, stir sticks, expanded polystyrene containers in fast-food restaurants (such as kebab containers), the free distribution of plastic bottles in companies, etc.; ;
• 2022, a ban on plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, a requirement for water fountains in establishments open to the public, etc.; ;
• 2023, a ban on disposable tableware in fast-food restaurants for meals eaten on the premises, etc.

In addition, new plastic collection programs are expected to take effect and lA deposit system for plastic bottles for recycling may be implemented if local governments fail to “improve the collection of these bottles by 2022.” The French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) will be tasked with assessing the collection capacities of local authorities.

More Transparent Consumer Information:

• Starting in 2021, against planned obsolescence, Certain electrical and electronic devices (such as washing machines or vacuum cleaners) must include a repairability index (a score out of 10). A sustainability index (reliability, product durability, etc.) will also be implemented in 2024.
• Required in 2021, information on the availability or unavailability of replacement parts used to repair electrical and electronic equipment (cell phones, televisions, etc.) and furniture. In the IT sector, buyers of computers or cell phones must be informed of how long their devices will last subsequent software updates. These updates can slow down devices or render them obsolete.
• 2022, companies that market products containing endocrine disruptors must inform the public of the list of these disruptors. Internet service providers and mobile operators, for their part, must inform their customers of their greenhouse gas emissions related to their internet and mobile data usage.Consumer information on the environmental characteristics of products offered for sale (use of recycled materials, sustainability, etc.) is standardized effective as of "2022". A label on the products with a ” environmental note” will take effect gradually.

Stepped-up efforts to combat waste:

• Late 2021, The destruction of unsold non-food products is prohibited and these products must be recycled or donated.
• 2021, Bulk sales are becoming more widespread and consumers can use their own containers.
• 2022, Medications may be sold individually.
• 2023, Receipts and credit card slips will be printed only at the customer's request.

Solidarity and the Circular Economy

“Some solidarity-based reuse fund are established to support resource centers and all nonprofit organizations active in this field. Government agencies are subject to new “green” requirements”, such as the inclusion of provisions related to the circular economy in public procurement starting in 2021.”

Thanks to these measures, new markets are opening up for manufacturers of eco-friendly packaging, upcycling centers, repair cafés, and DIY enthusiasts of all kinds… France must reach 1,00% of recycled plastics by 2025—a true revolution!