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As international negotiations on plastic pollution are moving slowly, France stands out with a series of encouraging initiatives. From innovative startups to large corporations and local actors, efforts are being made at all levels to combat this environmental threat. Here’s a look at 10 inspiring French initiatives, along with additional examples showcasing the country’s fight against plastic pollution.
1. Lactips Raises €16 Million for Plastic-Free Material
Lactips, an innovative French startup, has raised €16 million to scale its plastic-free material made from milk protein (casein). This biodegradable and bio-based plastic alternative could replace conventional plastic in food packaging and other industries, offering a promising solution to reduce plastic waste.
2. Futerro to Produce 75,000 Tons of PLA in Normandy
Futerro, a Belgian company, is building a factory in Normandy to produce polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable bioplastic. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 75,000 tons. PLA is used in various applications, such as packaging, and helps reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics.
3. Sleever’s Compostable Tamper-Evident Seal Wins Packaging Award
Sleever, in partnership with Carbios, developed a compostable and biodegradable tamper-evident seal called Sealcap Onego, which won an award at the Oscars de l’emballage. This innovation allows brands to secure products while reducing their environmental impact, setting a new standard for eco-friendly packaging.
4. Leygatech’s Recyclable Label Innovation
Leygatech received recognition for its LMG CleanLoop, a delaminable label used in in-mold labeling (IML). This technology simplifies the recycling process by making it easier to separate materials, reducing the amount of plastic waste and improving recyclability.
5. TotalEnergies Invests €11 Million in Mechanical Recycling
In Moselle, TotalEnergies has invested €11 million to create a new mechanical recycling line dedicated to polypropylene (PP) used in the automotive industry. This facility will recycle complex materials, helping reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and promoting circular economy practices.
6. Iparla: Basque Companies Collaborate on Plastic Recycling
In the Basque region, around 30 companies have joined forces under the Iparla association to pool resources for plastic waste collection and recycling. This regional collaboration highlights the importance of local initiatives in tackling plastic pollution and optimizing waste management.
7. Lactel Educates Consumers with Recyc’lait
Lactel continues its Recyc’lait initiative, which educates families about recycling milk packaging. In partnership with Le Jouet Simple, Lactel creates toys made from recycled high-density polyethylene (PEhd), demonstrating a playful and educational approach to encouraging better recycling habits.
8. Citeo: Improved Recycling Rates in France
Citeo reports that the recycling rate for household packaging in France reached 67% in 2022, a 1.5-point increase from the previous year. However, plastic recycling remains low at 27%, indicating that while progress is being made, there’s still much work to be done in tackling plastic waste.
9. €2 Million from Citeo and IPC for Plastic Research
To boost plastic circular economy efforts, Citeo and the Institut de Plasturgie et des Composites (IPC) have committed over €2 million over four years for research into plastic recycling. This investment is expected to drive innovation in recycling technologies for complex plastics.
10. Enzyme-Based Textile Plastic Recycling: A French Innovation
In addition to these initiatives, France is home to pioneers in textile plastic recycling. Carbios has developed an enzymatic technology that breaks down polyester fibers in textiles, offering a groundbreaking solution for dealing with waste from the fashion industry, one of the most polluting sectors.
Collective Efforts Towards a Sustainable Transition
These initiatives show that France is on the right track in the fight against plastic pollution. Whether through startups, large corporations, or regional projects, efforts are increasing to provide sustainable and circular solutions. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on the willingness of industries and consumers to embrace these innovations. In France, as elsewhere, there is still a long way to go, but these inspiring examples give hope for a more sustainable future.
