"Significant decrease observed in waste production"
In January 2023, France enacted a ban on disposable tableware in restaurants for on-site consumption, as part of an ambitious anti-waste law aimed at promoting a circular economy. This move is intended to significantly reduce single-use plastic waste, and it seems to be having the desired effect.
The new law mandates establishments serving 20 or more people to use reusable cups, plates, and containers within their premises. Violators face fines ranging from 1,500 euros to 15,000 euros, but according to Zero Waste France, these penalties may not be sufficient to deter all violations.
Despite the challenges, major fast food chains and catering services have begun to adapt to the new regulations. For instance, McDonald's, one of the best students according to Zero Waste France, has complied with the ban and has even been commended for its efforts. However, the transition has not been without its difficulties. Adapting to reusable dishware required investments of 100,000 euros per restaurant on average for McDonald's.
Other chains, such as Bioburger, have also made the switch to reusable dishware. Bioburger, known for its eco-friendly values and commitment to serving organic, fresh, and local products, has reduced waste by one ton per restaurant per year. However, managing the dishwasher and sorting trays requires an additional 30 to 60 minutes of work per day at Bioburger.
Theft of reusable dishware has been a significant issue for Bioburger, with nearly 40% of dishware stolen initially. Despite this, the savings from reducing waste have fully offset the initial investments, according to Bioburger's estimates.
Some branches have experienced supply shortages due to the use of external dishwashing services. Occasionally, Bioburger serves meals in disposable dishware due to supply shortages. Other fast food chains, such as Burger King and KFC, did not respond to requests for comment, while KFC declined to answer questions about the issue.
The demand for disposable cups is still growing moderately, but it has shifted away from plastic to eco-friendlier materials like compostable paper, driven by both the AGEC law and consumer preferences for sustainable options. This shift requires fast food chains to prioritize eco-design innovations and source compliant products, which can be more expensive.
Zero Waste France hopes for an extension of the ban to takeout meal packaging, whose sales have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. They believe that such a ban will only succeed if the State facilitates the implementation of universal solutions.
In conclusion, the ban on disposable tableware has been effective in pushing restaurants to reduce disposable plastic waste. Compliance has required fast food chains to overhaul their supply chains and service models, presenting logistical and cost challenges. Growth in disposable cups continues, but with a strong pivot to compostable and recyclable materials. Penalties for non-compliance motivate adherence, but enforcing these serves as an ongoing challenge. These factors together show meaningful waste reduction progress, albeit with operational hurdles, especially for large fast food chains adapting to new reuse and recycling requirements.
- The anti-waste law in France, enacted in January 2023, includes a ban on disposable tableware in restaurants, aiming to promote a circular economy and reduce single-use plastic waste.
- The law mandates establishments serving 20 or more people to use reusable cups, plates, and containers, with fines for violators ranging from 1,500 euros to 15,000 euros.
- Despite these penalties, managing reusable dishware has presented challenges for establishments like Bioburger, which has reported theft and additional work requirements.
- To combat waste, Bioburger has transitioned to reusable dishware and reduced waste by one ton per restaurant per year, despite initial investments of 100,000 euros per restaurant and additional workload.
- The demand for disposable cups still exists, but it has shifted towards eco-friendlier materials like compostable paper, driven by both the law and consumer preferences for sustainable options.
- According to Zero Waste France, an extension of the ban to takeout meal packaging is necessary for continued success, especially in light of the increased sales since the COVID-19 pandemic.
