5% of packaging reused by 2023 and 10% by 2027!
The new Decree of April 8, 2022 defines the minimum proportion of reused packaging to be placed on the market annually in France, defines reused packaging and specifies the producers concerned.
The minimum proportions apply from January 1, 2023.
Since the end of 2021, producers and brands of household products have been invited to change the sorting instructions on their packaging. Indeed, the "throw away" instructions are no longer appropriate in most of France. From now on, ALL household packaging must be sorted, either in the traditional "yellow bins", or in the glass bins. Eventually, once the entire country has switched over to this sorting system, no packaging of any kind should be thrown away mixed with household garbage. Léko has worked with the other eco-organization to set up this new sorting system, which has been approved by the public authorities.
Léko's aim is to make its members' voices heard in favor of signage that is both easy for producers to implement and an incentive for consumers.
The unit of measurement corresponds to each type of packaging (primary, secondary or tertiary).
A definition of reused packaging has been added:
"Reused or reused packaging" means packaging that is used at least once for the same purpose for which it was designed, and whose reuse or reutilization is organized by or on behalf of the producer. Packaging that has been used at least once before 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 deemed to be reused."
Where regulations prohibit reuse, such packaging is excluded from the provisions .
Lastly, the Decree sets out the penalties applicable to previous reduction and reuse provisions.
Reuse is part of a more global strategy: the national 3R strategy for single-use plastic packaging (reduce, reuse, recycle) published in a Decree dated April 14, 2022.
Its aim is to achieve "the end of the marketing of single-use plastic packaging by 2040" (article 7 of the AGEC law).
- The first part of the strategy sets out the challenges of packaging, and provides an overview of regulations, innovations and transition support systems.
- The second part identifies and analyzes the deployment potential of the alternatives contributing to the targets, their effectiveness and the need for investment. Between 900 million and 1.6 billion euros will be needed for recycling, between 1 and 2.3 billion for reuse, and 600 million for adapting packaging. The strategy proposes 25-year trajectories (2040 perspective). Finally, 42 sector-specific fact sheets are appended.
- The third part of this strategy proposes a 10-point action plan to achieve the 2025 objectives and the 2040 perspective.
A total of 42 sectoral fact sheets and 10 sectoral roadmaps are also available: don't hesitate to consult them, and get to grips with the challenges facing your sector right away!
The new requirement for prevention plans
The AGEC law (article 72) requires marketers to draw up a prevention and eco-design plan, updated every 5 years.
The eco-organization can offer support in drawing up a joint plan for its members or for a group of members (by sector, for example). Léko offers to simplify compliance and the sharing of practices. Don't hesitate to contact us!
In all cases, the plans must be forwarded to the eco-organization, which summarizes them. This summary is presented to stakeholders, published and updated every 3 years.
The plan should include information on :
- The origin of raw materials (reduce non-renewable resources).
- Consumption of recycled material.
- Product recyclability by plant in France.