With a new decree, France is strengthening extended producer responsibility for packaging used by professional users. The regulations specify the obligations of producers, collection systems and disposal companies and come into force on 1 January 2026.
The decree published on 17 November 2025 regulates how manufacturers of packaging that is used or consumed by professional users must contribute to the collection, reuse, recycling and financing of waste management in future. It specifies the application of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for non-household packaging, which was already enshrined in law in 2020. At the same time, it reorganises the responsibilities of eco-organisations, municipalities and professional stakeholders.
Clear definitions and differentiation of packaging types
The decree adopts key definitions from the EU Packaging Regulation 2025/40, including the terms packaging, producer, packaging waste and packaging composites. It also specifies which packaging is considered „household“ or „professional“, although the Minister of the Environment can further specify this in future. Rules for drinks containers and plastic closures will also be defined.
Financing rules and assumption of costs by eco-organisations
In future, eco-organisations will have to cover the necessary costs for the collection and treatment of commercial packaging waste and household packaging generated by professional users. Financing is based on economic efficiency standards and can vary depending on the quality of separation or operational characteristics. A separate cost framework applies to reusable packaging, including support for reuse stakeholders.
New requirements for oil and chemical packaging
Specific treatment obligations will be introduced for the packaging of lubricants and industrial oils. The costs for the disposal of chemical product packaging incurred by professional users will also be borne entirely by the respective producers in future.
Dealing with existing systems and transition periods
Existing eco-organisations in the catering packaging sector will retain their existing regulations until they are approved under the new system - but no later than the end of their current approval period. Contracts already concluded between producers and organic organisations will remain valid until they expire.
Source: Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity and International Climate and Nature Negotiations
