Behind the scenes of packaging and paper
Reuse
What is reused packaging?
The decree of April 8, 2022 defines reused packaging as packaging that has beenused for at least a second time for a purpose of the same nature as that for which it was designed, and whose reuse is organized by or on behalf of the producer.
Packaging that has been used for at least a second time, by being refilled at the point of sale in the case of bulk sales, or at home in the case of a refill system organized by the producer, is said to be reused. It also defines the minimum proportion of reused packaging to be placed on the market annually in France: 5% from January 1, 2023 for those placing more than 10,000 units of packaged products on the market, and whose sales exceed 50 million euros, and progressively up to 10% by 2027 for all producers.
Aiming for zero single-use plastic
The development of packaging reuse is a key element in Léko's strategy, and is part of the company's DNA through the many members who place it at the heart of their activities.
Léko is determined to support and collaborate with those who are building the necessary operational network throughout the country. Indeed, to be effective, reuse has to be local, and the solutions studied have to be economically viable and environmentally efficient.
By establishing a link between upstream and downstream, Léko can support its members in meeting their obligations under the national 3R strategy, which calls for single-use plastics to be phased out by 2040, and the Decree of April 8, 2022, which defines the minimum proportion of reused packaging to be marketed annually in France. Léko plays a decisive role in coordinating, consulting and co-constructing solutions adapted to different sectors of activity. This involves coordinating and coordinating the various players involved, as well as providing financial and organizational support for the development of concrete projects.
Our call for projects
Through a call for projects, Léko provides financial support for re-use projects in the e-commerce, textile, digital, cosmetics, home equipment, take-away food and beverage sectors.
Léko encourages, supports and rewards companies and associations wishing to take action to reduce packaging waste and minimize its impact on the environment.
Finally, Léko has introduced the notion of a bonus for the use of reusable packaging to encourage producers to replace single-use packaging with a reusable packaging solution. The 50% bonus is intended to provide a sufficient incentive to arouse producer interest and speed up the transition. It is also sufficiently substantial to partially offset the additional costs (weight of materials, operating costs)incurred by the switch to reusable packaging.
An example of a re-use circuit: deposits
Packaging deposits are a system for collecting and reusing packaging, which involves putting used packaging back into circulation by returning it to producers for reuse.
The system is based on a simple principle: when consumers buy a product packaged in a returnable container, they pay a surcharge which is refunded when they return the empty packaging to the store or a dedicated collection point. Producers then collect the returnable packaging, clean and refill it before returning it to the market.
In France, deposit initiatives and experiments have been set up for certain types of packaging, such as glass and plastic bottles, cans and returnable takeaway packaging.
Reuse also contributes to the preservation of natural resources, by avoiding the manufacture of new packaging from virgin raw materials. The deposit system is currently being debated with a view to its widespread introduction in the coming years, particularly for clear PET bottles.
How do you account for re-use?
Decree no. 2022-507 of April 8, 2022 introduced obligations concerning the reuse of packaging. The decree defines minimum proportions of reused packaging to be marketed annually in France: 5% from January 1, 2023 for producers marketing more than 10,000 units of packaged products and with sales in excess of €50 million, and gradually rising to 10% by 2027 for all producers.
In order to monitor the achievement of these rates, the producers concerned must track data on packaging reuse. In this context, ADEME published a study in February 2023 presenting the methodologies for accounting for reuse. This study and its explanatory video present the methods for calculating and transmitting reuse data, and thus help answer the following questions:
- Who is responsible for accounting for packaging reuse?
- What packaging should be counted?
- What calculation formula(s) should be applied?
- What resources and tools are needed?
The study, explanatory video and Frequently Asked Questions are available on the ADEME website at this link.
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