The circular economy is defined as “an economic system of exchange and production that aims to make resource use efficient and reduce our impact on the environment.”* Behind this concept lies a major challenge in terms of pollution reduction.
In this article, discover concrete answers to the questions: What is the circular economy? What are its challenges? How does French law support it?
(*source: French Environment and Energy Management Agency)
What are the challenges of the circular economy?
The circular economy presents itself as a multi-channel response to two major challenges: ecology and economy.
The economic benefit of the circular economy
The circular economy creates jobs, unlike an economy in which waste is simply buried or incinerated. Recycling employs between ten and fifty times more people, according to a technical sheet published by ADEME. Furthermore, materials reused in a circular economy approach, such as plastic, metal, or glass, are generally less expensive than raw materials derived from natural resources. This allows companies to rationalize their costs and, consequently, increase their productivity.
The circular economy and its benefits for the environment
Moreover, the environmental benefits are all the more significant as the cycle is virtuous: the more companies contribute to and benefit from the circular economy, the less natural resources are used.
Not to mention that energy losses are reduced and waste production is controlled.
Given all its advantages, the circular economy is therefore gaining momentum! It fits perfectly within the framework of reducing carbon footprint by establishing sustainable development of activities. To support this, regulations have been very prolific on this topic recently.
The circular economy in French regulations
What does the law say about the circular economy?
The first French law to give prominence to the circular economy was the one relating to energy transition for green growth of August 17, 2015. Its Title IV thus initiates several actions in its favor, such as specific objectives in terms of reducing waste production.
On January 8, 2020, an agreement was reached to finalize the law relating to the fight against waste and the circular economy. The website www.vie-publique.fr provides a simplified analysis of its content, detailing four main orientations:
- end waste in order to preserve natural resources;
- mobilize manufacturers in transforming production methods;
- strengthen information for consumers;
- improve waste collection and, at the same time, combat illegal dumping of garbage.
This law also provides several deadlines concerning various prohibitions or obligations. Among these is notably the end of single-use plastic packaging scheduled for 2040. To this end, several crucial intermediate steps have been defined depending on the products concerned. For example, since January 1, 2020, single-use plastic cups, plates, and cotton swabs have been banned from sale. In 2021, polystyrene food trays will also be banned. Finally, the extension and harmonization of waste sorting guidelines have been set for no later than December 31, 2022, for the entire French territory.
However, this law did not initiate the circular economy and only sets a precise roadmap. Indeed, the various principles governing this approach have been defined for longer and are explained in the rest of this article.
How is the circular economy organized?
The circular economy is current and virtuous in its operation. It contrasts with the linear economy, which was long the mode of thinking and logic in terms of goods production and waste.
The circular system compared to the linear system
The linear system depletes natural resources, creates products while generating pollution, implements planned obsolescence, and generates significant waste. In contrast, the circular system focuses on repair, reuse, and recycling. This makes it better suited to support a sustainable development approach.
ADEME’s circular economy diagram
ADEME offers a very clear diagram on the principle of the circular economy, dividing it into three areas, themselves divided into seven pillars in total:
- The supply of economic actors:
- sustainable extraction/exploitation and purchasing,
- eco-design,
- industrial and territorial ecology,
- functional economy,
- Consumer demand and behavior:
- responsible consumption,
- extending product lifespan,
- Waste management:
- recycling.
The underlying trend is therefore based on more sober and more efficient resource management. This requires a profound modification of local and global organizations as well as lifestyles. Everyone at their level can reduce their impact on the environment, whether in their way of producing, consuming, or disposing of objects that are no longer of any use to them.
To learn more about Flexico’s waste management policy, visit the page Flexico, an eco-responsible actor.
