1. AGEC: The waste superhero? 🦸♂️
The AGEC Act is a bit like Iron Man for thecircular economy: it arrives in shining armor, ready to revolutionize the way we manage waste. Adopted in January 2020, its mission is to move us from an "all-throwaway" society to a model where we reuse, repair and recycle. Say goodbye to useless plastic packaging, and make way for sustainable products!
With concrete measures such as a gradual ban on single-use plastics (goodbye plastic straws and cutlery!), and the introduction of areparability index for electrical and electronic equipment, the AGEC law aims to hit hard. Its aim is clear: to extend the life of products, reduce their impact on the environment, and transform the way we consume.
In fact, one of the pillars of this law is based on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a principle whereby manufacturers are responsible for the entire life cycle of their products. In concrete terms, this means that they must finance the collection and recycling of what they produce. A blow for big business? Perhaps, but a giant step for the planet. 🌍
2. Recycling is good, but reusing is better! 🛠️
So, what concrete changes for you, enlightened consumer? First, let's talk about the repair bonus. The AGEC law encourages people to repair objects instead of throwing them away. Thanks to dedicated funding, you can now repair your old phone or your broken-down blender at a lower cost. According to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), this system is expected to reduce wasteelectrical and electronic equipment by 40%. Impressive, isn't it?
Another innovation is the famous reparability index. Basically, each new electronic device is now graded on its ability to be repaired. A bit like a teacher's grade, except that if your washing machine scores less than 5, it's a bad sign for the environment (and your wallet). 🧑🔧
What about plastic packaging? The war on plastic continues. Theban on plastic packaging for bulk fruit and vegetables is underway, and the ultimate aim is to make such packaging reusable or compostable. However, there's a small downside: this measure is sometimes difficult to apply on supermarket shelves. Yes, even the best laws can come up against obstacles... or rather, plastics on the shelves.
3. AGEC and the recycling headache: Mission impossible?
Okay, the AGEC law wants us to recycle more. But what does it actually achieve? In France, we've long been a bad pupil when it comes to recycling. According to data from Zero Waste France, only 25% of plastic waste is recycled. Yes, we're far from the green superheroes we'd like to be.
Another major focus of the AGEC law is the reduction of food waste. With strict measures to combat food waste, supermarkets are required to redistribute their unsold food to associations. A fine gesture for the planet and for those in need. But as someone else would say, there's still a lot of work to be done: in 2021, nearly 10 million tonnes of food were thrown away in France. Yes, it hurts the planet... and the heart.
And then there's the thorny issue of plastic bottles. The law aims to introduce a deposit system for these bottles, as in the days when you could return your cans for a small change. It sounds vintage, but it's also ultra-efficient. However, it's taking a long time to set up, and discussions between the government and the industry are dragging on. Between you and me, it's a bit like an episode of Game of Thrones: everyone wants the throne, but no one wants to give ground.
AGEC: super-law or smoke and mirrors?
With all these measures, you may be wondering: does the AGEC law really live up to its promises? The results are mixed. Admittedly, significant progress has been made in recycling and reducing disposable plastics. But the implementation of certain measures remains laborious. Habits don't change overnight, and there are still too many exceptions and delays in enforcing bans.
But let's be positive. Thecircular economy has come a long way in France thanks to this law, and waste has become a central issue in public debate. For the transition to be complete, it will undoubtedly take more than a law: a profound change in mentalities and collective mobilization.
What do we take away from this article?
✅ Reducing the production of plastic waste remains a key objective of the AGEC law.
✅ Encouraging the repair and reuse of products to extend their lifespan.
✅ Implement concrete measures such as the reparability index for better management of electronic equipment.
Zoom: Is the reparability index a real plus? 🔧
Are you hesitating to buy a device because of the cost of repairing it? Thereparability index is here to help you choose! With scores from 1 to 10 displayed in-store, you'll immediately know whether your future smartphone or dishwasher is a good candidate to last... or not. A simple, but devilishly effective idea for avoiding over-consumption!
Zoom on... France Nature Environnement strongly criticizes the AGEC law
Four years after the implementation of the Anti-Gaspillage for a Circular Economy (AGEC) law, France Nature Environnement and several other environmental associations have drawn up a mixed assessment. The initial aim of the AGEC law was to
According to the report, many economic players have found ways to circumvent France's waste reduction rules. The packaging and plastics industries "lobbied for exemptions", thus reducing the effectiveness of the actions provided for by the law.
The associations also regret "the lack of control" over the implementation of measures, such as recycling and sorting at source of bio-waste, which have not yet been extended to the entire population in France, and "the transition to environmentally-friendly products, such as reusable packaging, which is still too slow".
In conclusion, although the AGEC law marked a turning point for a circular economy, France Nature Environnement believes that the lack of rigor in its application and economic pressures are holding back its ambitions.
