Shifters 68 Lead Local Drive to Decarbonize Economy in Colmar Amid Broader Agro-food Circular Economy Shifts

Shifters 68, a Colmar-based association founded in 2023, is spearheading efforts to decarbonize the local economy by tackling CO2 emissions and ending fossil fuel reliance. Member Gilles Istin stresses the importance of deeply understanding the current climate challenges to effectively guide this transition. The group’s strength lies in its expertise, largely made up of engineers, emphasizing informed action for meaningful climate impact.

This grassroots initiative aligns with broader transformations in France's agro-food sector, which is experiencing a structural shift towards a circular economy to reduce waste and fossil dependence. Innovative membrane separation technologies can recover up to 80% of proteins from agricultural by-products, supporting sustainability. Large companies like Danone and Carrefour are trialing reusable and rechargeable packaging solutions, responding to new European regulations mandating higher recyclability by 2030 and strict limits on single-use plastics.

The circular economy's future depends on collaboration among industrial players, start-ups, and research labs. France’s 2030 program already backs over 200 projects focused on bio-sourced plastics and by-product valorization, reflecting a nationwide push to embed sustainability and decarbonization even at local and industrial levels.

Together, these steps represent a growing movement that blends grassroots initiatives like Shifters 68’s with industry-wide innovation, targeting a greener, less carbon-dependent French economy.