Ecomaison welcomes the decision by the French Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, to introduce a moratorium on certain provisions of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for building products and materials.
This measure paves the way for in-depth consultation with all the players concerned, to build an economically viable industry that is adapted to the realities on the ground.
A step-by-step approach, key to the success of an industry
For several months now, Ecomaison has been warning of the economic and operational constraints weighing on construction companies, materials manufacturers and distributors. While the environmental ambitions of the Extended Producer Responsibility for Building Products and Materials (EPR PMCB) scheme are essential to improve recycling and combat illegal dumping, its accelerated deployment has weakened the sector's economic ecosystem, despite the strong commitment of manufacturers, distributors and retailers to deploy over 6,000 collection points in record time.
Proven expertise in structuring EPR schemes
On the strength of its successful experience with the furniture industry, Ecomaison advocates an approach based on progressiveness and consultation. In collaboration with companies, federations and associations in the sector, Ecomaison has demonstrated that the organization of a sector requires a controlled and structured transition over time.
Accepting this progressive approach is the key to effective, sustainable deployment.
"A reuse and recycling industry takes time to develop, and it's this transitional period that guarantees its success. The furniture industry has proved that a progressive model, co-constructed over 10 years with companies and partners, makes it possible to build an industrial sector and achieve environmental objectives while ensuring its economic sustainability. It is this expertise that we wish to put at the service of the building industry.
Dominique Mignon, President of Ecomaison.
A commitment to a collective and balanced overhaul
This moratorium is a long-awaited and necessary decision, which should enable the building sector to be rebuilt on solid and concerted foundations. In this context, Ecomaison reaffirms its willingness to work in cohesion with its fellow eco-organizations - Écominéro, Valobat and Valdélia - to reach a strategic agreement with the Ministry.
A commitment to a collective and balanced overhaul
- Stabilize the regulatory framework, giving companies long-term visibility.
- Optimize the network of collection points to ensure that they are economically efficient and geographically sufficient.
- Agree on a gradual ramp-up to an economically sustainable industry.