Labelling requirements in France: the Triman logo and sorting instructions
Content:
- What is the French Triman logo?
- Sorting instructions as a supplement to the Triman logo
- Triman logo PNG graphic available for download
- The prevention plan
- Since 2024: Merger of the DPR value chains for graphic paper and household packaging!
Green Deal, plastic tax, packaging requirements: the European Union is also concerned with environmental protection. The EU Packaging Directive aims to reduce the impact of increasing packaging waste on the environment and promote an efficient circular economy in the individual member states. The specific implementation of the EU-wide directive varies from country to country: for example, Germany has the Packaging Act, while Austria has the Packaging Ordinance. In France, on the other hand, one of the key requirements is the so-called labelling obligation: companies must label recyclable products and packaging that are ultimately disposed of by consumers at home with the Triman logo. This also affects non-French (online) retailers who sell products to private customers in France. What do you need to bear in mind with regard to the French labelling requirement? We have summarised all the important details below.
What is the French Triman logo?
The Triman logo is a signage system from France that is used to label consumer information. It is intended to create a visual signal for consumers, informing them that the product and its packaging must be disposed of separately so that both can be recycled. Manufacturers, importers and retailers must add additional information on correct disposal next to the Triman logo to make it easier for consumers to separate and dispose of the product and packaging properly. This is done via the sorting instructions (more on this below). The correct disposal of packaging in households is intended to promote an efficient circular economy.
Since 1 January 2021, the regulations on mandatory labelling have been enshrined in the French Environmental Code. This means that, since this date, electrical appliances and their packaging are also subject to mandatory labelling. In addition to the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol, these must also be marked with the Triman logo from 2022 onwards (see graphic).
Another significant change came into force in January 2022: previously, retailers who were not the manufacturers of the goods could use the Triman logo on their online shops to provide guidance on correct separation. Since 2022, this is no longer sufficient. It is now necessary to affix the logo directly to the packaging.
The Triman logo consists of three parts:
- A person symbolises the responsible end consumer.
- Three arrows in the middle represent sorting and collection for better waste recycling.
- A thin arrow in the background signifies recycling.
Sorting instructions as a supplement to the Triman logo
Since 1 January 2022, distributors of household packaging on the French market have been required to begin implementing what is known as sorting information.
According to this list of requirements, all sales packaging must bear the Triman logo and sorting instructions developed specifically for the French market since 9 September 2022. In addition to the country code for France (ideally supplemented by the abbreviation ‘FR’ for distribution outside France), these sorting instructions also include information on the individual packaging components and the corresponding sorting bins. The separation instructions can be presented in text form (in French), as a pictogram or in a combination of both, whereby strict country-specific presentation rules must be observed.
- In France, all packaging that is not made of glass is usually disposed of in the ‘yellow bin’, while glass packaging must be disposed of in the green glass container. This simplifies labelling and separation for consumers.
- In the case of packaging with several components, these must be listed individually and classified accordingly.
These labelling regulations apply to all sales packaging distributed in France and affect both domestic and foreign distributors, regardless of the distribution channel. Exceptions to the new sorting information are:
Small packaging units:
- For packaging smaller than 10 cm² without instructions for use or similar, information about the Triman logo and separation instructions must be available electronically (e.g. on the website, the product page in the online shop, etc.).
- Packaging measuring between 10 and 20 cm² without instructions for use or similar must be marked with the Triman logo, while the separation instructions must be available electronically (e.g. on the website, the product page in the online shop, etc.).
- For packaging up to 20 cm² that contains instructions for use or similar, both the Triman logo and the separation instructions must be listed on this insert.
- The labelling requirement is linked to a licensing requirement in France. Even if only a single product is sold on the French market, there is an obligation to label and license the sales packaging.
Triman logo PNG graphic available for download
You can download the Triman logo as a PNG file here:
- Right-click on the following link: Triman logo
- Select ‘Save link as …’
- Save PNG file
Please note: The Triman logo must not be smaller than 6 mm. It is always printed in black and white, whereas the sorting instructions may be printed in black and white or colour.
All the specifications can be found in the following guide published by the French system provider CITEO: To the manual
The prevention plan
New requirements have been introduced as a result of changes to French extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation: by 15 October 2023, it was necessary to submit a plan to reduce the environmental impact of your packaging to the French dual system. This plan will be reviewed every five years to assess its effectiveness and updated if necessary. You have the option of joining a collective plan or creating an individual plan.
Since 2024: Merger of the DPR value chains for graphic paper and household packaging!
In pursuit of a more efficient and environmentally friendly circular economy, France has decided to merge the value chains for graphic paper and household packaging from January 2024. This decision aims to create synergies and minimise the environmental impact of production and disposal.
What does this mean in concrete terms? An improved circular system that covers the entire life cycle of graphic paper and household packaging. From production to recycling – everything under one sustainable roof. Thanks to this merger, since January 2024 we have been able to offer you support for the entire new industry, household packaging and graphic paper, under a single contract.
