The global plastics pact, created by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, now includes the French Plastic Pact, expanding the global network.

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The Plastics Pact network welcomes a new member: The French National Pact on Plastic Packaging. Launched today by the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, it brings together a dozen French companies and NGOs.

Less than five months after the unprecedented mobilisation around the New Plastic Economy Global Commitment, many actors around the world are committed to meeting the challenge of a circular economy in which plastics never become waste. Implementing this vision requires a significant level of global and national collaboration – which is why the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has created a global Plastics Pact network.

The Plastics Pact network brings together national and regional initiatives, all working towards the same global vision of a circular economy for plastics. By joining the global Plastics Pact network, the French National Pact will benefit from a unique platform for cooperation and exchange of best practices.

The specificities of the French National Pact

The Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, Auchan Retail France, Biscuits Bouvard, Carrefour, Casino, Coca-Cola European Partners, Danone, Franprix, L’Oréal, LSDH, Monoprix, Nestlé France, Système-U, Unilever, Tara Expeditions Foundation and WWF France are the signatories. Ultimately, the pact aims to mobilise a growing number of participants in the country.

The French National Pact is in line with the French Circular Economy Roadmap and the European Strategy on Plastics.

It establishes a series of concrete commitments including:

  • Defining a list of packaging to be designated as problematic or unnecessary and which measures should be taken to have them eliminated;
  • Eco-designing packaging to make it reusable, recyclable or 100% compostable by 2025;
  • Collectively reaching 60% of plastic packaging recycled by 2022;
  • Incorporating an average of 30% recycled plastic into packaging by 2025;
  • Leading awareness-raising and educational activities with the general public on the issues related to plastic pollution

The Plastics Pact network

Following the launch of The UK Plastic Pact less than a year ago, the network is becoming increasingly international and expanding with the arrival of the French National Pact. A Chilean Pact is under development and will be followed by other initiatives in Europe and around the globe.

“The Ellen MacArthur Foundation welcomes the launch of the French Plastic Packaging Pact and welcomes it enthusiastically to its global Plastics Pact network for fruitful collaboration. “

Sander Defruyt, New Plastics Economy Lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation