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Implementing acircular economy strategy, already initiated by many economic players, transforms the risks and constraints associated with resource depletion into opportunities that create social, societal, and environmental value. While progress is undeniable, many steps still remain before all objectives are met. Let's take a closer look at some key measures applicable to the industrial sector.
The circular economy: preserving resources
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), resource extraction increased twelvefold between 1900 and 2015 and is expected to double again by 2050. Our resource consumption far exceeds Earth's biocapacity, which is its ability to regenerate renewable resources, provide non-renewable resources, and absorb waste. In this urgent context, all stakeholders (businesses, researchers, administrations, local authorities, associations, and citizens) are strongly encouraged to commit to the transition towards a circular economy.
Thecircular economy can be defined as an economic model. Ideally, this model operates in a loop, systematically reusing generated waste. It aims to minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources from the design stage of products or services. It also seeks to increase their durability and to systematize reuse, repurposing, recycling or material recovery of end-of-life materials.
Let's take a closer look at some key measures applicable to the industrial sector. These measures aim to concretely apply the waste treatment hierarchy and promote its initial stages: waste prevention, preparation for reuse, and material recovery.
Preventing the production of non-recoverable waste: bans on placing plastic items on the market
In line with waste prevention, the law of October 30, 2018, concerning the balance of commercial relations in the agricultural and food sector and healthy, sustainable, and accessible food for all, amended article L. 541-10-5 of the environmental code. The objective: to limit the availability of plastic items.
Thus, it has been prohibited, since January 1, 2020,, to make available plastic straws, cutlery, steak picks, disposable cup lids, meal trays, ice cream pots, salad bowls, boxes, and beverage stirrers. These are all plastic products whose lifespan often does not exceed that of a single meal. Products that will no longer enter the waste treatment stream despite their mandatory sorting.
Preparing for Reuse: Strengthening and Simplifying the End-of-Waste Status Procedure
To facilitate the waste recovery process, certain administrative procedures, such as the end-of-waste status procedure, have been simplified and expanded.
Example: By an order dated December 11, 2018, new types of waste are now eligible for the end-of-waste status procedure. These include certain packaging, tires, textiles, waste from furniture elements (DEA), and printer cartridges.
To simplify the adoption of orders setting the end-of-waste criteria, the decree of October 22, 2018, eliminated the requirement for the opinion of the consultative commission on waste status, which was previously required for the establishment of ministerial end-of-waste orders.
This is a strong signal to shift from a consumption and disposal mindset to a reuse mindset.
Promoting Material Recovery: Favorable Taxation for Waste Recycling
The general tax on polluting activities (TGAP) applied to waste storage facilities (landfills) has been increased by the Finance Act. There will be a progressive increase until 2025, reaching 65 euros per tonne of landfilled waste.
Incineration facilities are also affected by this price increase: between 15 and 25 euros per tonne of incinerated waste in 2025, depending on the incinerator's operating method. Again, a strong signal: recycling will finally be cheaper than energy recovery and waste disposal.
Advances in the Circular Economy, but There's Still a Long Way to Go Before Achieving "Zero Waste"
While the Circular Economy Roadmap (FREC), presented in May 2018, appears to be progressing, many steps still remain before all the set objectives are achieved.
The law of February 10, 2020, on combating waste and promoting the circular economy now establishes a regulatory framework to accelerate the shift in production and consumption models with the aim of reducing waste and preserving natural resources, biodiversity, and the climate.