Promulgated on February 10, 2020, the AGEC law marks a decisive turning point in the fight against waste and the preservation of natural resources. Its main objective is to break with the linear âeuros produce, consume, throw away âeuros economic model by promoting a circular economy. Through a series of measures, it tackles the main environmental challenges, notably the overproduction of waste, pollution linked to single-use plastics and product obsolescence.
Five key areas for transforming practices
The law is based on five main principles. The first concerns the gradual phase-out of single-use plastics, with a total ban planned by 2040. At the same time, it aims to better inform consumers about the environmental impact of the products they buy, by making visible criteria such as recyclability, repairability and the use of recycled materials. Encouraging re-use and combating waste, notably by banning the destruction of unsold non-food products, complete this regulatory framework. Lastly, the law reinforces product lifespan and imposes eco-design practices to integrate end-of-life considerations right from the manufacturing phase.
The measures introduced by the AGEC law are designed to meet a number of environmental challenges. On the one hand, they seek to reduce waste production by promoting reuse and recycling practices. Secondly, they aim to preserve natural resources by integrating more recycled materials into manufacturing processes. By imposing greater transparency on environmental impacts, the law encourages consumers to adopt more responsible behavior, while pushing companies to improve their practices.
Specific obligations for the printing industry
For printers, the AGEC law introduces targeted measures to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.
Ban on mineral oils in inks : From January 1??, 2025, the use of mineral oils in inks will be totally banned for all printing intended for the public, requiring a transition to alternatives that comply with the new standards.
Eco-design obligations : Companies in the printing sector are required to implement prevention and eco-design plans aimed at reducing the environmental impact of their products. This includes using recycled or certified paper from sustainably managed forests, reducing raw material consumption, and optimizing manufacturing processes to minimize waste and pollutant emissions. Leaflets must be printed on recycled or certified paper, in order to reduce the environmental impact of their production. Every 5 years, companies are required to carry out an assessment of their plan.
Ban on displaying advertising material on vehicles : Since 2021, it has been forbidden to place leaflets on car windscreens, in order to limit visual pollution and waste.
Extending Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to professional packaging from 2025, companies marketing industrial and commercial packaging will be subject to EPR. They will have to finance and organize the collection, reuse and recycling of this packaging, with specific reuse and recycling targets.
Targets for reducing single-use plastic packaging the law sets a target of a 20% reduction in single-use plastic packaging, at least half of which must be achieved through reuse.
Ban on the use of plastic film for routing : The ban on plastic films for routing, in force since 2022, is forcing professionals to adopt more sustainable solutions, such as paper envelopes or biodegradable films. Eco-design is also at the heart of the changes, with an increased obligation to use certified or recycled paper, while optimizing processes to limit waste.
Consumer information : Information on recyclability, the incorporation of recycled materials, compostability, reusability and the presence of hazardous substances are becoming key communication points for packaging and graphic papers such as envelopes, notebooks, newspapers and magazines. These obligations apply to companies with sales in excess of ?50 million and at least 25,000 sales units. This information must be accessible in electronic form, for example on a web page or website, and available at the time of purchase.
