In 2020, France passed a bill to combat excessive waste, including a ban on single-use plastics and efforts to educate consumers on recycling. The law was led by French senator Anne-Catherine Loisier and referred to as the “famous French ‘gold-plating’.” However, two years later, lawmakers extended the ban to include plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables for about 30 products, with plans to extend it to all fruit and vegetable products by 2026. In contrast, the EU updated its circular economy action plan in 2020 with new rules on packaging waste but included softer targets.
The implementation of these laws has proven challenging for French businesses, who have expressed concerns over the potential cost increase and competitive disadvantage that could come from strict recycling and sustainability regulations. Despite these challenges, France is pushing for alignment between its domestic laws and European policies to mitigate any conflicts. Negotiations within the EU Council, led largely by France, have focused on aligning European regulations with existing French laws such as the ban on single-use packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables.
As France works to harmonize its environmental legislation with broader European efforts, the issue of waste management remains a complex one with implications for businesses and consumers alike. The country’s approach to waste reduction is seen as a model for other nations looking to reduce their environmental footprint while still maintaining economic growth.
