Plastic Consumption in France: Companies Facing Up to Their Responsibilities

The issue of plastic consumption in France is a crucial challenge for society as a whole. Households, through their daily use of single-use products and plastic packaging, account for a large share of the problem. However, companies, particularly those that manufacture, use or recycle electronic products, also bear their share of responsibility. In the information technology (IT) sector, plastic is everywhere, both in the equipment itself and in its packaging. Faced with growing regulatory and social pressure, companies in the sector are being called upon to rethink their practices and help reduce their plastic footprint.

The current state of plastic: a shared responsibility

While households are major consumers of plastic, companies are not exempt from responsibility, especially those operating in the IT equipment sector.
Of the more than 400 million tons of plastic produced worldwide each year (compared with just 2 million in 1950), 158 million tons go to the packaging sector, mainly to make single-use packaging. Electrical and electronic equipment accounts for 19 million tons, highlighting the importance of this material in various industrial sectors, including IT and electronic equipment (source: Les Échos, Plastic Atlas 2020, Geyer).
Manufacturing IT equipment, from computers to smartphones, involves massive use of plastics, both for internal components and for packaging. The tendency to replace IT equipment frequently, driven by rapid innovation and planned obsolescence, amplifies this phenomenon.

In 2023, France was penalized by the European Union with a 1.5 billion euro fine for failing to meet its plastic waste treatment targets. The goal was to recycle 40% of plastic packaging, but only 23% was recycled. Although this situation concerns every sector, IT companies must recognize their role and contribute to efforts to improve plastic waste management.

The challenges of plastic recycling: progress is needed

Plastic recycling is often presented as a key solution, but it remains complex to implement. Currently, only 9% of plastics are recycled worldwide, 99% of them mechanically. This type of recycling has many limitations, notably the inability to fully remove the chemical additives contained in polymers. In addition, the way different types of plastics are combined makes mechanical recycling difficult.

Chemical recycling appears to be a promising alternative, although it is more expensive and energy-intensive. It makes it possible to return to a quality close to that of virgin plastic, which is particularly valuable for IT equipment, where component quality is essential. In France, 13 chemical recycling projects are underway, including four mega-plants for PET recycling by "depolymerization". According to Plastics Europe, the share of chemical recycling could increase considerably by 2050, opening up new prospects for managing the plastics used in IT equipment.

Companies and their environmental responsibility

Here are some courses of action for companies: 

1. Reducing dependence on plastics: companies can commit to reducing the use of plastics in their products and packaging by choosing more sustainable alternative materials, such as recycled plastics, bioplastics, glass or metal.
2. Eco-design and durability: integrating eco-design principles into product design helps minimize the use of plastic and makes recycling easier. It also means designing more durable equipment, reducing the need to replace hardware frequently.
3. Product lifecycle management: companies can set up collection and recycling programs for their end-of-life products, thereby supporting a circular economy. Reusing components and recycling plastics are important levers for reducing the plastic footprint.
4. Awareness and collaboration: IT companies can raise awareness of plastic issues among their customers and partners and work with industry players to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.

Regulatory and technological outlook

European regulations, along with the Plastics Treaty currently under negotiation, could strengthen requirements for plastic waste management. New directives could encourage the development of advanced recycling technologies, particularly chemical recycling. However, it is essential that companies and players in the plastics industry approach these changes holistically, combining reduction, reuse and recycling.

Despite the challenges, some progress is being made (such as chemical plastic recycling projects). However, these initiatives also raise questions, particularly regarding their energy cost and overall environmental impact. It is therefore crucial that the IT sector commits to reducing its use of plastic, alongside the development of these new technologies.

A collective commitment to a sustainable future

Plastic consumption in France is a complex problem that requires the commitment of all stakeholders, from households to businesses. IT companies, although they are not the main consumers of plastic, have an important role to play in reducing their plastic footprint. By adopting more sustainable practices, investing in recycling technologies and raising awareness among their customers, they can contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.

Want to learn more about eco-friendly solutions for your company? Contact the experts at Leasetic. We support you in implementing sustainable strategies and optimize the management of your IT equipment to reduce your environmental impact.

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