The government is considering a reintroduction of reusable plastic cutlery and tableware in school canteens, a decision that has sparked controversy. This reversal, perceived by some as a victory for plastic lobbyists, has elicited numerous reactions.
🏛️ A Draft Decree That Sparks Debate
The Ministry of Ecological Transition confirmed on Tuesday that a governmental draft decree could alter the regulations on plastic containers in school and university canteens. The Egalim law, enacted in 2018, prohibited their use starting January 1, 2025 in these institutions as well as in pediatric, obstetric, and maternity services.
However, this decree, published on the Ministry of Ecological Transition’s website, aims to replace the term “tableware and cutlery” with “service”, which would implicitly allow the return of reusable plastic plates and cutlery. A textual change that, according to several observers, would respond to pressures from professionals in the plastics industry, eager to avoid new restrictions on their products.
🔬 A Health Safety Issue?
The Ministry of Ecological Transition justifies this choice by explaining that plates and cutlery are not “serving and reheating containers”, unlike trays used for cooking and reheating food. According to health authorities, these latter can leach harmful chemicals when heated, which is not the case for simple cutlery and plates.
However, this explanation struggles to convince critics of the project, who denounce it as a regression of ecological progress and a potential step backward in the fight against plastic waste. Although these products are reusable, their lifespan remains limited and their recyclability is still in question.
💬 A Strong Public Reaction
The draft decree, currently open for public consultation until March 14, has already generated over 1,280 comments, many of which are critical. Internet users have branded the decision as “outrageous”, “an environmental scandal”, and even “an alarming step backward”. Some view it as a capitulation to industrial lobbies, while others compare the measure to the return of plastic straws in the United States under Donald Trump.
Many environmental groups and advocates of the Egalim law are demanding that the government uphold the original ban to preserve the objective of reducing plastics in schools and healthcare facilities.
🔎 What Possible Alternatives?
In light of this controversy, several solutions exist to limit plastic use while addressing the concerns of industry stakeholders:
- Develop the use of stainless steel, ceramic, or bio-based materials, already tested in several canteens.
- Encourage large-scale washing and reuse to avoid reliance on plastics, even if reusable.
- Strengthen standards and control over the composition of food containers to ensure optimal health safety without reverting to plastic use.
As the debate intensifies, the government’s final decision could have a major impact on environmental and health policies in the years to come. It remains to be seen whether the state will choose to uphold its ecological commitment or yield to industrial pressures.
🌱 A Broader Ecological Issue
Beyond the scope of school canteens, this decision raises questions about France’s ecological commitments. In recent years, the country has implemented numerous measures to reduce plastic pollution, including banning plastic straws, disposable cutlery, and unnecessary plastic packaging. The return of plastic cutlery and plates, even if reusable, could send a contradictory message to citizens and industries.
Environmental advocates fear that this reintroduction could set a precedent and open the door to further regulatory relaxations, hindering progress made in waste reduction.
As the debate intensifies, the government’s final decision could have a major impact on environmental and health policies in the years to come. It remains to be seen whether the state will choose to uphold its ecological commitment or yield to pressures from industry.
