Starting January 1st, 2025, France will implement a significant environmental regulation under Article L-541-15-10 of the Environmental Code (CE), which introduces new restrictions on the use of plastic in food-related services in educational and childcare institutions. The ban will primarily affect collective catering in schools, universities, and facilities catering to children under six years old, prohibiting the use of plastic containers for cooking, reheating, and/or serving food.
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A Push for Health and Environmental Safety
This ban is designed to address the environmental and health risks posed by plastics, particularly as research shows that certain chemicals used in plastic products can have harmful effects when exposed to food at high temperatures.
Restrictions in Collective Catering Services
From the start of 2025, collective catering services in schools and universities, as well as institutions catering to young children, will be required to eliminate plastic food containers from their kitchens and dining areas. This means that trays, bowls, and other plastic-based items used for cooking, reheating, or serving food will need to be replaced with alternatives such as stainless steel, glass, or other sustainable materials.
This initiative is part of a series of environmental reforms already introduced by France in recent years, such as the ban on single-use plastics, which have targeted various sectors to reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainability.
Supporting a Sustainable Transition
The government has been encouraging (Link in French language) collective catering services to begin preparing for the upcoming ban by investing in more sustainable alternatives ahead of the 2025 deadline. There will be a transition period to help institutions adapt, with financial incentives and support programs being put in place to ensure that schools, universities, and childcare centers can comply with the regulation without significant disruptions.
Conclusion
This policy is aligned with the European Union’s broader goals to reduce plastic use, improve food safety standards, and promote a circular economy. France’s approach reflects an ambitious step in tackling plastic pollution at the source, particularly in settings where the health of vulnerable populations, such as children, is at stake.
