FRA/211
WTO/TBT
FR France
  • 55 - Emballage et distribution des marchandises
  • 67 - Technologie alimentaire
2021-08-15
2021-07-07

Beverage bottles

Décret définissant des taux d'incorporation de plastique recyclé dans les bouteilles pour boissons (Decree establishing the rate of incorporation of recycled plastic in beverage bottles) (3 pages, in French)

The notified Decree defines the conditions for the application of certain provisions laid down in the Law of 10 February 2020 relating to the fight against waste and the circular economy, in particular those referred to in Article 61 of that Law, which establishes that the marketing of certain categories of products and materials may be subject to compliance with a minimum rate of incorporation of recycled material in these products and materials, and that these categories, rates, the method used for their calculation, and control procedures are specified by decree.

The notified Decree is issued under Article L. 541-9 (II) of the Environmental Code, introduced by Article 61 of the Law of 10 February 2020 relating to the fight against waste and the circular economy, which establishes that the marketing of certain categories of products and materials may be subject to compliance with a minimum rate of incorporation of recycled material in these products and materials, and that these categories, rates, the method used for their calculation, and control procedures are specified by decree.

The notified Decree establishes the mandatory incorporation of recycled material in beverage bottles in accordance with Directive No. 2019/904 of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment (Article 6).

The notified Decree transposes the minimum incorporation rates of recycled plastic in beverage bottles and the deadlines provided for by aforementioned Directive, namely:

- a minimum of 25% in 2025 for PET-type plastic bottles;

- a minimum of 30% for all plastic bottles as from 2030.

The notified Decree specifies, however, that this obligation does not apply to plastic non-refrigerated milk bottles (as recycled HDPE and recycled opaque PET are not permitted for "food-contact" uses), and provides for a progress review in 2025 to re-examine this condition.