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French Plastic Bans Explained
France is taking action against single-use problematic plastics. Initial bans were enforced in February 2020 and further regulations have been introduced as part of a multi-year government program to phase out plastic [1].
France’s Anti-waste and Circular Economy Law was introduced in 2020 and sets out to achieve core goals: to recycle 100% of plastics by 2025, and phase out single-use plastics by 2040. To achieve these objectives, France is enforcing further bans against single-use plastics over the coming years[2].
We’re staying at the forefront of legislative changes so you can feel confident we’ve got you covered.
Key dates
2021
- Single-use plastic straws, cups, cutlery and styrofoam takeaway boxes were banned in France from December 2021 [3].
2022
- Banned plastic packaging for over 30 types of fruits and vegetables in January 2022 [4]
- Introduced compulsory warnings and prohibited claims for plastic products and packaging [5]
- Requirement for public spaces to provide water fountains to limit the use of plastic bottles
- Press and publicity publications to be shipped without plastic wrapping
- Fast-food restaurants no longer allowed to offer free plastic toys [6].
2023
- Banned disposable packaging in fast-food restaurants for meals consumed on site from 1 January 2023 [7]
- Requirement for restaurants and cafes to replace disposable boxes with paper wrappers for eat-in burgers and sandwiches. Other foods like pizzas, cakes, nuggets and ice cream will be served on plates or in reusable containers [8]
- Additionally, the Circular Economy Law established the following targets:
- 2023: A proportion of 5% of reused packaging put on the market (10% in 2027)
- 2025: 100% of plastics must be recycled and 77% of plastic bottles for beverages must be collected (90% in 2029) [9].
2025
- Any business that sells cross-border to consumers in France is required to register their packaging with a French recycling scheme
- Companies will begin to pay less for their recyclable packaging [10].
Enforcement & Penalties
The French Government and Environment Ministry are implementing and enforcing regulations, with the support of President Emmanual Macron [12].
Further details regarding penalties for non-compliance are to be advised.
Contact us about moving to Towards 2025 compliant packaging, here.
Browse our range of sustainable packaging solutions, here.
Reference List:
[1] https://www.france24.com/en/20191231-france-begins-phasing-out-single-use-plastics
[2] https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/plastics-and-packaging-laws/france
[3] https://www.france24.com/en/20191231-france-begins-phasing-out-single-use-plastics
[4] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/how-france-plans-to-significantly-reduce-its-plastic-waste-from-2022
[5] https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/plastics-and-packaging-laws/france
[6] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/how-france-plans-to-significantly-reduce-its-plastic-waste-from-2022
[7] https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/plastics-and-packaging-laws/france
[8] https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/plastics-and-packaging-laws/france
[9] https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/plastics-and-packaging-laws/france
[10] https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/plastics-and-packaging-laws/france
[11] https://cms.law/en/int/expert-guides/plastics-and-packaging-laws/france
[12] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-59843697