With the implementation of the AGEC law in France, Re_fashion has published updated signage relating to textile and footwear recycling.
According to Article 17 of France’s AGEC law and its Decree n° 2021-835 of June 29, 2021, consumer products available on the French market must provide consumers with standardized information related to the way the items must be discarded, i.e. recycled.
The EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), which requires market players to manage the waste of their products, finances Re_fashion, an eco-organization for clothing, household linen and footwear products which is in charge of developing and submitting signage in compliance with the decree to the French government.
On February 1, 2022, Re_Fashion published the symbols for sorting information, as approved by the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition.
Stakeholders have until February 1, 2023 to put the information on products and until August 1, 2023 to ensure pre-existing stocks (products manufactured or imported before February 1, 2023) are also compliant.
Triman and Sorting information must be provided to consumers together.
The Sorting signage provides the opportunity to adjust it according to stakeholders' concerns.
Logos for clothing, household linen and footwear can be displayed alone, or together, and with self-deposit point(s) (symbols for container, store and association).
The symbol "MAGASIN VOLONTAIRE" is reserved for retailers with collection points at their sales outlets.
The signage can be put on a label, a hangtag, a product’s packaging, or on a sticker. The latter is especially useful for goods imported to the French market before February 2023 and which will need to comply with the regulation by August 1, 2023 latest.
Some exemptions exist regarding size and media to be used (see Safeguards).
For products sold only on the French market, a sentence shall be added when only one self-deposit bank (container) is mentioned (meaning your clothing and footwear have a future, donate them!)
As there are many options for displaying the information (horizontal, vertical, transparent or white backgrounds, logos …), the Re_fashion file including the Graphic charter can be downloaded here.
Last November, signage dedicated to packaging was also published by the relevant Eco-organization. This means that two sets of signage could have to be provided to consumers on the same product (one for textile, one for packaging).
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.
For inquiries, please contact:
Valerie CIMETIERE
Consumer and Retail — Softlines
Softline technical expert
t: +33141248710
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