In an article published on March 19, 2021, SGS reported on new regulations in France that are set to simplify and harmonize the recycling labels placed on packaging in the country. In November 2020, the French government passed a ruling within its Anti-wastage and Circular Economy (AGEC) law that would penalize recycling logos that “could induce a confusion regarding the sorting rule.” It plans to remove the “Green Dot” logo that has been mandatory on domestic packaging since the early 1990’s and represents that a manufacturer has paid required contributions to an eco-organization. Consumers, however, have been found to misinterpret the symbol to mean that the packaging is recyclable. The rule is also expected to result in the revision of the “Triman” logo, which will involve the introduction of more specific sorting guidance for consumers.
A draft decree has been released, and additional documentation with guidelines for future labeling is expected to be released in the second half of 2021. Pending final approval, the new regulations should enter into force on January 1, 2022. An exception may be introduced to allow manufacturers to instead use labeling approved by another EU member state, and a grace period could be used to allow depletion of current packaging stocks.
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SGS (March 23, 2021). “Significant changes to the signage for packaging and recyclable products.”
