ADEME Champions Economy of Functionality and Cooperation to Boost Business Resilience

On March 30, 2026, ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) is set to unveil the Economy of Functionality and Cooperation (EFC) as a critical new economic model aimed at addressing pressing ecological and economic challenges. Sylvain Waserman, president of ADEME, will present alongside business leaders already engaged in this innovative approach. ADEME stresses that the traditional volume-based economic model is increasingly unsustainable amid climate pressures and resource depletion, threatening both ecological balance and economic sovereignty.

The EFC model shifts focus toward cooperative, sustainable economic practices that emphasize functionality rather than mass production. ADEME will present an unprecedented evaluation showcasing environmental and social benefits, analyzing six diverse companies who have adopted this model. The launch of the 'Trajectoires EFC' club will gather over 30 large companies committed to driving this transformative shift, serving as a platform for accelerating adoption and sharing best practices.

Complementing ADEME's initiative is the 14-month Parcours Mission Change program, supporting business leaders and teams in understanding economic model limitations and ecological impacts. With nearly 70 companies already participating, this program includes comprehensive carbon and material audits, collective workshops, and tailored support to develop strategic operational roadmaps focused on sustainability. The program targets TPEs, PMEs, and ETIs and is partially funded by ADEME, with a new cohort starting in June 2026.

Mission Change, founded in 2019, aims to democratize ecological transitions and works alongside networks like ADECC, which connects over 220 local businesses committed to circular economy principles. Together, these initiatives present concrete, practical tools and collaborations to reinforce resilience and long-term performance in French businesses.

ADEME emphasizes that the Economy of Functionality is not a utopia but an actionable lever for sustainability and business continuity. The integrated efforts of ADEME, business leaders, and supportive programs signify a pivotal movement toward reimagined, resilient economic models in France's corporate landscape.