France takes these measures against waste

Why we write about this topic:

In Europe, more and more laws and regulations are emerging that encourage a circular economy. Steps in the right direction are now being taken in France as well.

A new set of measures to combat waste and promote a circular economy went into effect in France, says NL Innovation & Entrepreneurship in France in a (Dutch) press release. The new measures are part of the French law against waste and for the circular economy (Agec).

The measures include certain consumer products (packaging, leaflets, fast food), waste management and in particular the sorting of household packaging and the collection of biowaste from large producers. Here are some of the measures being taken in France, and some solutions from companies all over the world that help reduce waste.

Folders

As of the beginning of this year, advertising flyers and advertising catalogs must be printed on recycled paper or paper from sustainably managed forests. Violators risk a fine of up to 1,500 euros, or 3,000 euros in case of repetition.

Receipts

The systematic printing of receipts and bank cards as well as purchase and discount receipts would be banned as of January 1st.

In the Netherlands, there are already a number of digital solutions available when it comes to receipts. For example, start-up Bonnie is working on a digital receipt and told Innovation Origins about it.

Digital receipt system from Bonnie makes paper waste a thing of the past

Newspapers, packaging and receipts: we still use a lot of paper in the Netherlands.

Disposable tableware and fast food

Restaurants are required from Jan. 1 to serve their meals on reusable plates, cups and trays, along with reusable cutlery.

Also Danish start-ups are coming up with plenty of solutions to combat excessive use of plastic and other waste. Kleen Hub, for example, is giving restaurants a helping hand. the company is helping cafes and restaurants become more sustainable by offering them alternatives to disposable packaging.

Danish start-up’s reusable system aims to end single-use takeaway boxes

First scooters and now coffee cups – this is the beginning of Kleen hub’s journey in the sharing economy.

Microplastics

As of Jan. 1, certain products still allowed to be sold must be accompanied by all relevant instructions for use to prevent microplastics from entering the environment, including at the end of their life.

In Sweden, Mimbly focuses on filtering microplastics from washing water. That too helps to prevent environmental pollution.

Mimbox recycles your laundry water while filtering out microplastics

We need to use water more frugally than ever before. By 2025, as much as half of the world’s population will be dealing with water problems.

Biowaste

France also launched a major project to collect biowaste separately at the beginning of the year. This project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, and everyone who produces bio-waste, including households, will have sorting solutions.

In Eastern Europe, by the way, steps are already being taken to separate waste. Take Lithuania: From zero recycling in 2004, the Baltic state has reached a level of 45 percent by 2020.

Food waste separation can be done with minor investment – that’s what a Lithuanian city is showing 

Read more about the countries in this project More about Lithuania Separating food waste is a relatively new practice in Lithuania.

Return of used products

The law adjusts the obligation of certain distributors to take back used products free of charge. This take-back applies with the purchase of a similar new product or without the purchase of a new product. In 2023, this obligation covers three new types of products: toys; sports and leisure items; and do-it-yourself and garden items.

Plastics cluster in the northern Netherlands is pressing ahead with circular plastics chain

Anyone who hands in a few used plastic PET bottles at the collection machine in a supermarket might easily think that we in the Netherlands are doing a good job when it comes to recycling.