French Senate Finds Gaps in Anti-Waste Law Implementation and Calls for New Strategy
The French Senate's report emphasizes significant gaps in the implementation of the Anti-Waste Law and calls for an enhanced circular economy strategy.
Key Points
- • The Senate unanimously adopted a report on the Agec law on June 25, 2025.
- • France incurs €1.5 billion annually to the EU due to unmet recycling targets.
- • Recycling goals and collection efforts under the Agec law have not been fully realized.
- • The Senate urges a new inter-ministerial strategy for circular economy governance.
On July 8, 2025, developments emerged from the French Senate's ongoing review of the 2020 Anti-Waste Law (Agec), following a unanimous adoption of a report on June 25. This report highlighted not only the significant impact that extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes have on economic competitiveness but also pointed to substantial shortcomings in achieving recycling goals. France is currently facing a €1.5 billion annual penalty to the EU stemming from unmet plastic packaging recycling targets, revealing serious implementation gaps in the Agec law.
The Senate's report underscores that despite the ambitious environmental objectives set four years ago, progress remains limited. Collection goals have not been met as intended, and practices that promote material reuse and repurposing, crucial for a thriving circular economy, are lagging. Furthermore, the introduction of new EPR schemes has encountered considerable obstacles, complicating the path forward for effective waste management.
In light of these ongoing challenges, the Senate has called for a comprehensive evaluation of the law's implementation and effectiveness. The energy crisis driven by the conflict in Ukraine has accentuated the need for stronger circular economy policies, recognizing them as vital for enhancing France’s industrial sovereignty and economic independence. The report advocates for a new inter-ministerial circular economy strategy that would be regionally customized, thereby offering clearer direction and visibility to economic stakeholders looking to invest in sustainable practices.
Additionally, it recommends revising the governance framework of eco-organisms involved in EPR schemes to foster better engagement with all relevant stakeholders. As the report indicates, achieving a delicate balance between economic performance and the pressing necessity to combat illegal waste remains crucial for the social acceptance of these policies. Overall, the need for more robust governance and enhanced evaluation mechanisms is paramount as France aims to meet its ecological commitments.