Solutions to limit disposable packaging are increasingly popular, whether by consumers or manufacturers. One of these options is that of re-use and reuse, which makes it possible to extend the life of manufactured products.
With a need to reduce CO emissions2, more and more solutions are developing in the packaging market. Two in particular seem promising: reuse and reuse. They are differentiated by a passage, or not, by the status of waste at the end of life of the object. In reuse, the object is given or sold to a third party to give it a new life. In reuse, the product does not go through a structure that deals with reuse. It then assumes the status of waste. It will then undergo a waste treatment operation to regain its product status.
These two options are also acclaimed by the anti-waste law for a circular economy, or Agec law, which requires that 5% of packaging put on the market in 2023 (for marketers of more than 50 million euros of turnover) must be reused or reused. In 2025, this measure will concern marketers with more than 20 million euros in turnover and in 2026, for other marketers with more than 10,000 units of sales. In 2027, 10% of packaging must be reused or reused for all marketers of more than 10,000 sales units.
Different types of reuse
There are thus three main types of reuse for packaging. The first concerns bulk for products sold without primary packaging. The consumer then fills his reusable packaging such as jars, fabric bags or trays, which come from the point of sale or which belong to him. On the other hand, single-use plastic bags or paper bags, called “commodities” and provided by the store, do not fall within the scope of reuse.
Second type of reuse, packaging prepackaged in the factory and reused by professionals. The consumer buys a product that is already pre-packaged. Once used, it brings back the packaging which will be taken care of by the professional.
Finally, the third method concerns the use of refills. They make it possible to refill a parent packaging with the same product. The refill is not made to be used alone.
Concrete examples of reuse
Today in France, 30 to 40% of the bottles used in cafes, hotels and restaurants are still consigned to be washed and refilled. A deposit system is also still in place in Alsace, where nearly 25 million glass bottles are reused each year and 30% of supermarkets there are equipped with deposit deposit machines. Also in this region, the Meteor brewery has opted for a deposit system. It alone represents 42% of the stock of reusable bottles in France on the household circuit. A 2009 study showed that this device saved 76% of primary energy, avoided 79% of greenhouse gas emissions and used 33% less water compared to bottles. disposable glass.
Since January 1, 2023, catering establishments that serve more than 20 covers must now use reusable tableware according to the Agec law. These brands serve 6 billion meals per year in 30,000 points of sale in France, which generates 180,000 tonnes of waste each year. Those who continue to use disposable tableware will face a fine of €7,500. The Zero Waste association also regrets that the dishes are made of plastic, a material whose durability over washes must be demonstrated and potentially has the risk of migration to food.
Rethinking an entire economy
Many reuse initiatives exist at the regional level, but they are rare at the national level. With a rise in reuse thanks to the Agec law, the market will have to reorganize. Citéo, which specializes in packaging issues, recommends developing standardized packaging, mainly in glass, to be distributed throughout France. They have many advantages. Grouped together, they will make it possible to optimize the return, sorting, washing and logistics processes and to improve the economic and environmental balance of reuse.
Regarding bulk, the main challenge is to reduce food waste upstream, in the store and at the consumer. According to Citéo, from 10% loss, bulk is less efficient than packaged products.
