The Triman Logo France - What it Means for Your Online Business
If you have an ecommerce business that sells to customers in France, you need to be aware of the Triman logo, which under French law must appear on packaging and recyclable products. This consumer information logo is used in France with the purpose of informing consumers about the recyclability of packaging materials, the aim being to encourage proper waste sorting and recycling. For more information about the logo and how it affects your online business, read on.
What is the Triman logo?
The recycle logo itself is a pictogram of a person within a circular arrow (representing the circular economy). Three further arrows stretch out from the person, indicating the ‘Info-Tri’ of sorting instructions found on the Triman labeling. Following French Decree No. 2014-1577, it’s now mandatory as of January 1, 2022 for manufacturers and producers to display the Triman logo on packaging for products that fall under specific waste recycling schemes in France.
The logo serves as a visual reminder for consumers to dispose of the packaging properly and participate in recycling efforts. It helps raise awareness about recycling and waste management, with the ultimate goal of reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
What products are required to display the Triman logo?
All household waste that can be recycled must be marked with the Triman logo. Essentially, this means any product that falls under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. EPR regulations require manufacturers and importers to take responsibility for managing their products' end-of-life phase, including recycling and disposal.
Products required to display the Triman logo include the following (although this list is not exhaustive):
Packaging: Cardboard, paper, plastic, and metal packaging materials, such as boxes, bottles, cans, and cartons.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE): Appliances like refrigerators, televisions, computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
Furniture: Home and office furniture items.
Textiles: Clothing, shoes, and other textiles.
Batteries: Rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.
How to display the Triman logo
Before January 1, 2022, it was sufficient to display the Triman logo on your website if you were unable, for whatever reason, to physically add the symbol to your products. Since January 2022, it’s now obligatory to mark your products with this recycle logo under French environmental law.
The new signage must include the logo and sorting instructions. Specifically:
- The Triman logo.
- A pictogram and/or text identifying the type of packaging.
- The correct recycling point, symbolized by a pictogram and/or text.
- FR to clarify for international buyers that these rules apply only to the French market.
The Triman logo must be at least 6mm in length and the background must be white to make it easy to read. Glass beverage bottles are not required to carry the signage.
For some EPR products, such as electronics and batteries, the signage requirements are slightly more complicated. With such items, the Triman logo labeling must include details of collection and drop-off points that consumers can take their products to when they reach their end-of-life.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Ignorance of the law is not regarded as a reasonable excuse for non-compliance, which is why it’s essential that you understand your obligations regarding the labeling of your products. B2C packaging is subject to the labeling rules, however B2B packaging is not as such products do not go to the end consumer. Under French environmental law, failure to affix the appropriate labeling to your products could result in a fine of up to €15,000.
Conclusion
The Triman logo plays an important role in promoting sustainable waste management practices in France. By encouraging proper waste sorting and recycling, the logo empowers consumers to make environmentally responsible choices. If you sell to customers in France but are unsure of your obligations regarding the labeling, get in touch with the Greenifi team at compliant@greenifi.io who will be able to help.
