France Advances Circular Economy Amid Challenges Ahead of National Conference

France is at a pivotal moment in developing its circular economy sector, addressing significant industrial and environmental challenges ahead of the 19th National Conference on Waste and Circular Economy. Scheduled to take place at the Cité des Congrès in Nantes on September 30 and October 1, 2026, this event will bring together stakeholders to discuss sustainable development efforts and advocate for transformative economic models aligned with circular economy principles.

The circular economy in France is moving beyond traditional waste sorting to focus on maintaining material, energy, and product value while ensuring economic viability. Despite only 12.2% of materials in the European Union being recycled as of 2024, some French industries are demonstrating promising strides. Renault’s Refactory in Flins, for example, remanufactured 350,000 parts in 2024, achieving a 30% cost reduction compared to producing new parts, reflecting a successful disruptor in manufacturing practices.

Energy recovery also plays an important role, with France identifying 90 TWh of recoverable waste heat by late 2022 and projects underway in locations such as Vénissieux, Issoire, and Saint-Denis to recycle thermal resources effectively. Additionally, France’s dependence on imported critical metals has prompted companies like KBM Recycling and EcoTitanium to develop national recycling initiatives, though challenges related to quantity and purity of materials remain.

Industries like Michelin embody the complexities of circularity, integrating recycling, biosourced materials, and lifecycle analysis to shift towards more sustainable production. The event in Nantes aims to capitalize on the upcoming presidential election as leverage to promote policies supporting ecodesign, recycled materials, and closing production loops without sacrificing performance or competitiveness.

As the circular economy sector grapples with transforming industrial workflows and regulatory frameworks, the conference stands as a critical forum for defining the next steps in France’s sustainable industrial future.