Understanding France's Triman (Info-Tri) Labeling Requirements: What's Changed and Why It Matters
The Triman logo, which has been around since 2015, is used to show that products and packaging can be recycled and that different components need to be disposed of separately. In January 2022, new rules were introduced that require the display of a new logo - the Info-Tri logo - alongside the Triman logo.
Background Information on France’s Triman Logo
The Triman logo has its origins in the French Environmental Code and the AGEC Law (law against waste and for a circular economy). These require producers to take responsibility for preventing, reducing or combatting pollution. Under French law, there are also Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in place for different product groups, and where applicable, producers are also required to label their products with the Triman logo to encourage recycling.
What Do the Triman and Info-Tri Logos Mean?
The Triman logo indicates to consumers that products and packaging can be recycled and that they need to be separated out into different components to do so. The new Info-Tri logo takes things a step further by providing specific sorting instructions for each product category. Eco-organizations develop these instructions, and they also release guidelines on how to display the Info-Tri logo.
What are the New Info-Tri Labeling Rules?
The new rules, which were put in place in January 2022, introduce the display of the Info-Tri logo alongside the Triman Logo. The Info-Tri logo is displayed to show consumers what the applicable sorting methods are when it comes to separating out components of products and packaging for disposal.
For each product category that the Triman Logo applies to, an approved eco-organization develops sorting instructions related to recycling for that particular product category. These organizations also release guidelines related to sorting information and the display of the Info-Tri logo.
How France’s New Labeling Requirements Come into Effect
When Info-Tri labeling comes into effect for a product category, there’s a 12-month transition period and then a 6-month stock sale period to give companies time to comply. After the stock sale period, all products must be correctly labeled, and fines exist for non-compliance.
It’s worth noting that addressing the issue of Info-Tri labeling as early as possible will allow companies to avoid fines as well as the costs and disruption associated with relabeling incorrectly labeled products that are on the market after the stock sale period.
Watch the QIMA webinar - If you’d like to find out more about the new Triman (Info-Tri) labeling requirements, you can watch the webinar we recently held on the subject here.
Which Product Categories Does Info-Tri Labeling Apply To?
As of May 2023, Info-Tri guidelines have been introduced for the following product groups:
Household packaging
Print paper and graphic paper
Furniture and furnishings
Textiles, household linen and footwear
Electric and electronic equipment
Batteries and accumulators
Toys
DIY and gardening articles
Thermal motorized machines and devices
Sports and leisure articles
Other National Environmental Labeling Obligations in the EU
It should be noted that Triman and Info-Tri labeling isn’t the only national environmental labeling obligation that applies in the EU.
You can also find out about national environmental labeling obligations in Italy, Bulgaria and Spain in our other webinar here. Note that we also cover further information on Info-Tri labeling in this webinar that you might find useful.
Related Articles
