What is the AGEC Act?
The AGEC law, an acronym for « Anti-Gaspillage pour une Économie Circulaire », is a French law passed in 2020. Its main aim is to combat waste and promote a circular economy in France. The circular economy is an economic model aimed at reducing waste and maximizing the use of resources by promoting the reuse and repair of products.
The AGEC Act aims to transform the traditional linear economy, where products are produced, consumed and thrown away, into a circular system where waste is minimized and materials are reintroduced into the production cycle wherever possible.
To achieve this objective, the AGEC Act sets out a number of concrete measures, such as :
- a gradual ban on single-use plastics,
- the widespread introduction of deposits for plastic bottles and cans,
- extending extended producer responsibility (EPR) to new products,
- a ban on landfilling recyclable waste,
- the Triman logo, among others.
The AGEC Act also aims to raise awareness among consumers and businesses of the importance of responsible waste management, and to encourage more sustainable production, consumption and product management practices.
By focusing on waste reduction, promoting recycling and the circular economy, the AGEC law aims to contribute to the preservation of the environment, the protection of biodiversity and a more efficient use of natural resources in France.
January 1, 2023: Triman logo mandatory on textile products
Among the various objectives and measures set out in the Anti-Waste for the Circular Economy Act is the introduction of the Triman logo on all textile products.
The Triman logo is a symbol used in France to indicate to consumers that product packaging is subject to selective sorting. It became compulsory under article 17 of the AGEC law.
The Triman logo is a silhouette of a man with his arms raised, referring to the action of sorting waste. It’s usually accompanied by a text saying« Sorting means giving new life ».
The aim of this logo is to make consumers aware of the importance of waste sorting, and to encourage them to adopt responsible packaging waste management practices.
Why does this measure pose a problem for the European Commission ?
For the European Commission, this poses a problem, as the law becomes a constraint on the free movement of goods within Europe.
Today, there are no European Union rules on the obligation to provide waste sorting instructions to consumers. Triman logo regulations are specific to France and do not apply throughout the EU.
This means that companies importing products into France have to be compliant, and therefore have to display this logo on their products.
In addition, the European Commission has pointed out that this measure could lead to an increase in waste due to the additional labeling.
What are the consequences?
What’s more, France would have been in breach of its obligations, as the law on the Triman logo was not notified to the Commission in draft form prior to its adoption.
However, this infringement procedure has not led to the suspension of the Triman logo law for the time being. French producers are still subject to the same labelling and signage obligations. France has two months to respond to this infringement procedure.
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You can also opt for a white label solution that will allow your company to circularize your equipment internally and to engage your employees around ecological themes.
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