Single-use plastics and legislative changes in 2021

Since 1 January 2021, plastic straws, disposable cutlery, stirrers, lids for takeaway cups, expanded polystyrene boxes, steak skewers, balloon sticks, confetti and all oxo-degradable plastic objects have been prohibited. In addition, this year the free distribution of plastic bottles by companies will be banned and the supply of products in bulk will be accelerated. A bonus-malus system will encourage manufacturers to limit plastic overwrapping and this policy will be reinforced from 1 January 2022, when the overwrapping of fruits and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kg, as well as plastic tea bags and plastic toys distributed free of charge in fast food restaurants, will be banned.

Later this year, from 3 July 2021, compostable dishes will also be prohibited. However, bio-based and/or compostable materials may be of value, particularly with regard to improving bio-waste management. 

At the same time, within the framework of DIRECTIVE (EU) 2018/851 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste the French State is working on the implementation of a solution for the collection of bio-waste by the end of 2023. This should encourage composting as a circular solution in waste management and therefore allow consumers to effectively compost compostable products.