As part of its anti-wastage and circular economy law (AGEC Law), the French government has reformed the logos required on packaging and products to simplify sorting. Primary changes include the removal of the ‘Green Dot’ (‘Le Point Vert’) and the harmonization of the ‘Triman’ and ‘Sorting Info’ (‘Info-Tri’) (SafeGuardS 135/21). Decree 2021-835 was published on June 29, 2021.
As a general principle, harmonized and compulsory markings should be affixed to each product submitted to Extended Producer Responsibility (REP), including household packaging and graphic papers. Information on sorting must be attached to the Triman logo. It must be a mark that can be printed directly on, or affixed with a sticker, to the packaging. The new obligations will enter into force on January 1, 2022. However, the Decree will offer a one-year transition period after its implementation. Businesses will have an additional 6 months grace period to allow clearance period of any products that had been imported or manufactured before the law’s implementation.
Special cases
- An exemption to marking has been granted for glass beverage packaging
- When the largest surface of a product, or its packaging, is less than 10 cm2 and no other document is supplied with it, then the entire marking (Triman + sorting instruction) can be made available by other means, such as on point-of-sale display or online
- When the largest surface of a product, or its packaging is between 10 cm2 and 20 cm2 the Triman logo must be displayed, but the information (sorting instructions) can be made available by other means, such as point-of-sale display or online
Regulatory calendar
These new marking rules must complete three more steps before they can be implemented:
- The new harmonized Sorting-Info must be subject to consultation and a public opinion issued
- The new harmonized Sorting-Info will then be submitted for validation by the public authorities. They will have two months to give their validation or request new adjustments. After approval by the public authorities, a 12 month period will be granted before these marking requirements to enter into force
- Once validated by the two ministries, the graphic and information elements can be finalized
SGS Commitment to the Circular Economy
SGS is committed to the circular economy and is closely monitoring the evolution of France’s AGEC law and developments in other consumer product regulations as a complimentary service. Through a global network of laboratories, SGS provides a wide range of services, including specific country regulations, physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. After all, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Contact us for more information or visit our website dedicated to the circular economy.
Reference: SafeGuardS 035/21
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