Large retailers are preparing for the end of plastic packaging.

A few months before the deadline provided for by law, the Auchan group decided to no longer use plastic trays in its butchery, charcuterie and fish departments. With nearly 55 million trays present only in these departments, the brand has indicated that it would now abandon plastic in favor of compostable plant fibers.

This approach is a significant step forward towards reducing plastic waste, in accordance with the “anti-waste for a circular economy ” law. It should be remembered that this law intends to accelerate the change of production and consumption model in order to limit waste and preserve natural resources, biodiversity and the climate.

Supported by Brune Poirson who was the secretary at the Ministry of Ecological Transition at the time, the law on the fight against waste and the circular economy: Law n ° 2020-105 of February 10, 2020 published in the OJ n ° 35 of February 11, 2020, plans to change our consumption and production patterns in depth. Its objectives are to:

• stop wasting to preserve our resources;
• mobilize industry to transform our production methods;
• to inform in order to consume better;
• improve waste collection to fight against illegal dumping.

Regarding plastic wrappers, the law stipulates that the entry into force will be at 1 January 2022 for fresh fruits and vegetables are less than 1.5 kg.

The Auchan Group is not the only one to prepare for the deadline. Most large-scale retailers are following suit by offering cardboard or paper packaging. Leclerc, Franprix, Monoprix, ITM to name a few have also chosen to favor eco-responsible packaging.

We can think that the sector has found in the obligation that is made to them a new marketing argument. Thus, a recent press release from Auchan reinforces the virtuous image of the brand by declaring: " These trays " are composed of materials from agricultural co-products, such as sugar cane residues. Also eliminating any glue. , they are certified home compostable. By 2022, the label and the packaging film will also be. ” A cleverly orchestrated communication that serves the commercial interests of declining brands in some of their stores. sectors.

However, the windfall effect served by the government should in no way obscure the environmental benefits of the decisions taken. Thousands of tons of plastic per year will be able to be saved thanks to this measure. The packaging sector represents almost 40% of European demand for plastic. A study found that between 1950 and 2015, humanity produced as much plastic as between 2002 and 2015!

In addition to the environmental benefits, it appears that changing the packaging will also have positive effects on food waste and health. On the one hand, because of the duration of food consumption that the new materials should make it possible to lengthen and on the other hand, by eliminating the risk of contamination of food with plastic residues. Researchers have calculated that a French consumer would ingest, in one year, between 0.04 mg and 19.7 mg of plastic microparticles from food trays.

The government's win-win law is leading us towards zero plastic and we can only be happy about it. So let's get ready to see our recycled paper, cardboard and other bamboo fibers stalls.