Reuse: One year after its launch, “On the Road to Reuse!” is proving its worth.
A year ago, Léko launched “On the Road to Reuse!” with one goal in mind: to demonstrate that an effective, locally-based, and replicable reuse model is possible.
A year later, the results are in:
🍾 485,000+ bottles reused
🏪 414 active stores in 3 regions
🤝 200+ committed producers
🥤 2,000 products compatible with reuse
🔄 Over 50% return rate
📈 54% increase in collected volumes
📣 880 in-store awareness events
Above all, these results show one thing: reuse can be scaled up by drawing on the stakeholders already present in local communities and by providing support throughout the entire supply chain, from producers to consumers.
Our goal: to move from pilot projects to widespread implementation
Building on this experience, Léko presents an assessment of its findings plus a roadmap for expanding reuse throughout the entire region by 2031, starting with bottles.
Our proposal is based on a gradual ramp-up:
➡️ 2026: Harmonization of reuse support programs among environmental organizations to provide a single framework for all MeM
➡️ 2027: Full implementation of the common national framework in pilot regions
➡️ 2027–2029: Gradual expansion to all of metropolitan France
➡️ 2030–2031: Rollout in Corsica and the overseas territories
Ultimately, the goal is to reach 17,000 partner retail locations and reuse more than 150 million bottles each year, with an estimated investment of 300 million euros over five years across the entire industry.
To make this transition to a larger scale a success, we advocate, in particular:
- eco-organizations that provide funding, coordinate, and provide guidance, without replacing the operators;
- increased support for local operators;
- open and interoperable container standards;
- simple, standardized guidelines;
- a standardized labeling system for consumers;
- management based on measurable objectives and results.
Reuse is now entering a new phase: scaling up.
Léko is ready to work with government agencies, all accredited environmental organizations in the EMPAP sector, reuse stakeholders, and all other interested parties to develop a common, effective, and sustainable national framework.