AGEC Act, everything you need to know in 2024

The AGEC (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy) law, adopted in February 2020, marks a significant turning point in French environmental policies. Aiming to reduce waste, promote reuse and recycling, and improve the transparency of products' environmental impacts, it transforms regulatory expectations for companies. To help companies comply with this legislation while optimizing their processes, Phishia offers support services in sustainable cybersecurity and environmental assessments. This article explores in depth the main provisions of the AGEC law and how Phishia can support companies in this transition.

Objectives of the AGEC Act

1. Reducing waste at source : One of the main aims of the AGEC law is to limit waste production by reducing unnecessary packaging and banning certain disposable products. The law imposes a significant reduction in plastic waste, notably by banning single-use plastic items such as straws, cutlery and cups. By 2040, the aim is to eliminate all single-use plastics. This measure aims to reduce plastic pollution, which has harmful effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Reuse and Repurpose : The law also encourages the reuse of products. Companies must put in place systems to facilitate the repair and reuse of products in order to extend their lifespan. For example, manufacturers must offer spare parts for several years after a product has been put on the market, thus facilitating repair rather than replacement.

3. Recycling and waste recovery : To improve recycling rates, the law imposes stricter standards for waste separation and sorting. Companies must participate in waste collection and treatment systems to ensure effective recovery. Recycling must be optimized, and recycled materials used in the manufacture of new products.

4. Consumer information and awareness : The AGEC law strengthens transparency by requiring companies to provide detailed information on the environmental impact of their products. This includes information on product composition, life cycle and carbon footprint. This measure aims to raise consumer awareness and encourage them to make more sustainable choices.

Main obligations for companies

1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) : Companies are responsible for financing the management of waste generated by the goods they market. This obligation has been extended to new product categories, such as sports equipment, toys and building materials. Companies must ensure that their products are collected, sorted and treated appropriately at end-of-life.

Compliance : Companies must register with eco-organizations for waste management, set up collection systems, and pay financial contributions for waste treatment.
Reporting : Companies must provide regular reports on the volumes of products placed on the market and the quantities of waste processed.

2. Ban on certain Single-Use Plastics : As of January 2021, the law bans the sale of certain single-use plastic items. This includes straws, cutlery, plates and cups. By 2040, legislation calls for the complete elimination of single-use plastics.

Impact: Companies need to find sustainable alternatives to these banned products.
Planning : Companies must adapt their production chains and business models to comply with this ban.

3. Obligation to Reuse and Repair : The AGEC law requires manufacturers to make products more durable and repairable. They must guarantee the availability of spare parts for several years after the sale of a product.

Design : Companies need to design products that are easy to repair, with clear instructions for repair and maintenance.
Support: Manufacturers should offer repair services and extended warranties to encourage re-use.

4. Environmental display : The AGEC law requires more transparent display of products' environmental characteristics. This includes information on product composition, recyclability and carbon impact.

Labeling : Companies must adapt their labels to include information on the sustainability and environmental impact of products.
Communication : Companies need to train their staff to provide consumers with accurate product information.

Challenges and opportunities for businesses

Challenges :

Regulatory Compliance : Complying with AGEC requirements requires significant adjustments to production processes, supply chains and waste management systems.
Costs : The transition to more sustainable practices can generate additional costs, notably for the development of new products, the purchase of recycling equipment, and the implementation of waste management systems.
Administrative complexity : Managing EPR obligations and reporting requirements can be complex, requiring additional resources to ensure compliance.

Opportunities :

Innovation and differentiation : Adopting sustainable practices can lead to innovation in products and processes, enabling companies to stand out in the marketplace.
Brand Image : A proactive approach to sustainability can enhance a company's brand image and attract increasingly environmentally conscious consumers.
Long-term cost reduction : Although initial investments can be high, the savings achieved through waste reduction and resource optimization can offset these costs over the long term.

How can Phishia help you achieve compliance?

At Phishia, we offer a range of services designed to help companies comply with AGEC and maximize the benefits of transitioning to sustainable practices:

1. Environmental assessments : We carry out detailed carbon assessments and life cycle analyses (LCA) of products to evaluate their environmental impact. These assessments enable us to identify the main sources of pollution and propose strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of products.

Bilan Carbone : Analysis of greenhouse gas emissions linked to the company's activities.
Life Cycle Assessment : Assessment of the environmental impact of products from production to end of life.

2. Audit and Consulting in Sustainable Cybersecurity : Our ISO 27001 audits incorporate sustainability considerations to ensure that information management practices are not only secure, but also aligned with environmental objectives. We offer advice on how to integrate environmentally responsible practices into your information security management systems.

ISO 27001 audit : Assessment of information security management practices and recommendations for improvement.
Sustainable Cybersecurity : Integrating environmental aspects into cybersecurity strategies.

3. Recommendations and security tools : We recommend and install IT security tools that are designed to be eco-responsible. These tools protect information systems while minimizing environmental impact.

Eco-responsible tools : Cybersecurity solutions that consume less energy and produce less electronic waste.

4. Awareness-raising and training : We offer awareness-raising and training programs to help teams understand the challenges of the AGEC law and adopt sustainable practices on a daily basis. These programs are designed to train staff in best practices in waste management and environmental footprint reduction.

Training programs : Educational sessions on AGEC requirements and best practices for businesses.

5. Certification support : We assist companies in the ISO 27001 certification process, ensuring that information management systems comply with security standards while incorporating sustainable practices.