Promulgated in February 2020, the Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy (AGEC) law aims to fundamentally transform production and consumption patterns in France. Nearly three years after its adoption, an information report (no. 2696) recently published by the French National Assembly assesses the progress made and the remaining challenges in achieving the ambitious objectives of this landmark law.
A structuring law and promising advances
The AGEC Act is generally praised for its structuring nature and its first significant advances. The report stresses the importance of developing product re-use channels, a priority for reducing waste and preserving natural resources. Although there are still delays and obstacles, the momentum is positive.
Reuse initiatives are multiplying and, even if they are still often local and experimental, they demonstrate the enormous potential of this approach. The report highlights the importance of supporting these initiatives so that they become widespread and pillars of the circular economy.
Lifting the brakes for a prosperous future
The report identifies a number of challenges to be overcome in order to accelerate the development of large-scale reuse. Among these, the need to create sufficient deposits in terms of quantity and quality is crucial. Today’s production methods need to evolve to align with the logic of looped reuse.
Logistical aspects, such as the collection, sorting, reconditioning and redistribution of used products, are also essential. The report proposes targeted investments to improve these processes and guarantee the quality and traceability of reused products.
What’s more, coordination between the various players – producers, consumers, local authorities and associations – is crucial to building a coherent, efficient ecosystem. Initiatives such as the creation of a dedicated national observatory and the organization of “Assises du réemploi” are proposed to foster this synergy.
Ambitious recommendations for a dynamic ecosystem
To support the development of reuse, the report recommends increasing public funding via the circular economy fund. It also proposes adapting production and logistics methods to make them compatible with reuse requirements. This includes the introduction of standardized packaging, and collection, sorting and washing centers for used products.
The introduction of a deposit for the re-use of glass packaging and the generalization of take-back points for end-of-life products are also envisaged. These measures are designed to facilitate the capture of deposits and strengthen the infrastructure needed to support reuse.
The report stresses the importance of a national strategy dedicated to reuse, with quantified targets that will evolve up to 2040. This roadmap will give economic players visibility and encourage them to embark on this path.
Increased donations thanks to AGEC law
Article 35 of the AGEC law has already had a significant positive impact. By creating a new article L. 541-15-8 in the Environmental Code, it obliges producers, importers and distributors of new non-food products intended for sale to reuse or recycle their unsold products. This includes the donation of basic necessities to associations fighting poverty and social economy structures.
According to the information gathered, the main associations that recover and redistribute these donations are reporting a significant increase in the number of donations. In 2022, the Dons solidaires association and the Agence du don en nature accumulated a volume of donations equivalent to 23,000 pallets, representing a doubling and a 20% increase respectively on previous years. This positive trend will continue in 2023, with a diversification in the types of products donated.
An essential lever for achieving environmental objectives
Reuse has been identified as a key lever for achieving the ambitious environmental goals of waste reduction and the transition to a circular economy model. By extending the life of products and reducing the consumption of natural resources, reuse makes a significant contribution to economic sustainability.
The report also highlights the economic benefits of reuse, including the creation of local jobs that cannot be relocated. Supporting and structuring this sector could become a driving force behind the sustainable economic recovery advocated by the government.
Towards widespread re-use
Information report no. 2696 covers many other aspects of the transition to a circular economy in France. It proposes improvements to waste collection and treatment systems, encourages eco-design of products, combats food waste and reinforces extended producer responsibility.
In short, this parliamentary report encourages us to build on the momentum created by the AGEC Act. This is vital if France is to meet its environmental commitments and respond to the challenges of this century, by speeding up the transition to a circular, sustainable economic model.
To discover other inspiring circular initiatives, visitCircularPlace, the platform dedicated to the circular economy!
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