France drives circular economy with strict procurement rules under AGEC law. Which country will follow?

This law is designed to foster demand for sustainable products, encouraging economic players to innovate in circular solutions while safeguarding natural resources and reducing waste.

Target categories and progressive thresholds 

The decree highlights 17 product categories with specific minimum thresholds that will increase over time. Notable examples include:

• Textiles: 8% reused and 20% recycled by 2024, rising to 15% reused and 30% recycled by 2030.
• ICT equipment and phones: 20% reused or refurbished and 20% recycled by 2024, increasing to 30% each by 2030.
• Paper: 40% recycled for 2024, 2027, and 2030.

These targets are cumulative, pushing consistent progress towards sustainability.

Practical implementation for public buyers 

The law applies to all public authorities, including the state and local governments. To comply with its requirements, authorities must implement procurement strategies that support the circular economy. This involves collaborating with suppliers who specialize in providing refurbished or recycled products, and prioritizing tenders for organizations in the social economy that focus on reuse and recycling initiatives. Additionally, public buyers are encouraged to incorporate contract variants, which foster innovation in circular solutions, and to accept donations of suitable products through government-managed platforms dedicated to facilitating these contributions.

A milestone for sustainability 

Article 58 of the AGEC law sets a precedent for transforming public procurement into a tool for advancing the circular economy. By mandating sustainable purchasing practices, the French government sends a clear signal to the market, incentivizing innovation and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Would be great if other countries will follow this French initiative.