The throwaway society is no longer sustainable from an environmental and societal point of view. The circular economy represents one of the major levers for moving towards a more sustainable world. According to the Ademe definition, " The circular economy aims to shift the paradigm away from the so-called linear economy, by limiting resource waste and environmental impact, and increasing efficiency at all stages of the product economy."

This means reinventing the supply, manufacturing, and recycling processes for all products, from food to household products, in order to make better use of existing resources and counteract the overproduction and overconsumption industries. The concept of the circular economy is developing concretely within companies, which take into account the overall life cycle of their products, from design to the end of their use.

Repair, reuse, re-employ, keep in mind the concept of the 3 Rs, or better still, not generating waste, have become priority areas of development.

 

Sustainability at the heart of the approach

Member of 1% for the planet, Another Way has become a mission-driven company. With its strong environmental and societal convictions, the company develops ecological alternatives (made from natural, recyclable, or recycled materials) to everyday objects, especially single-use ones. Producing locally, with partners geographically close to its premises in Marseille, is also part of its commitments. Its objectives: promote zero waste (as with its dish soap) and/or with an end-of-life recycling solution. Its natural shampoo pack allows for the production of four 270 ml shampoos in two reusable and 100% recyclable plastic bottles. Its stated ambition: to get as close as possible to a circular economy.

Alterosac, which works with linen, cotton and hemp, makes bulk bags, bread bags, freezer bags, net bags, shopping bags and all kinds of pouches: for snacks, picnics, toothbrushes, sandwiches, etc. All the products are handmade in a workshop in Haute-Savoie and in an integration workshop in Ile de France.

The best waste: the one we don't produce

For anyone who wants to develop their bulk sales, Aventure Bio positions itself as the “ wholesaler of organic nuggets The company offers a wide range of bulk and non-food items. Its brand catalog includes: Symples, Capitaine, Comme Avant, Atelier Sarrasin, etc.

Based in Brittany, Solid ! designs and offers alternatives to traditional products in order to drastically reduce waste – particularly plastic – and the carbon footprint on a daily basis. The products are delivered without packaging or plastic, and therefore do not produce waste at the end of their life. Wooden-handled dish brush, reusable coffee filter, bread bag, washable sponge, ultra-concentrated ecological laundry powder delivered in a glass bottle… Solid! supports the ecological transition of everyday life.

A pioneer in the solid products sector, the company Lamazuna established itself a few years ago, particularly through its wide range of sustainable cosmetics and accessories. It manufactures zero-waste, vegan, and locally sourced items, based in the Drôme region.

Use what already exists to reduce waste 

In extremis innovates from what already exists, without compromising on taste pleasure. Its aperitif biscuits are made from unsold bread powder and wheat bran recovered from millers. The former provides a unique crunchy texture and the bran an authentic cereal flavor. Its results: 33% waste avoided, no additives and French manufacturing (100% of the ingredients come from French agricultural sectors).

Nat&plant, which offers loose infusions and plants thanks to its expertise in phytotherapy, has developed cardboard cases intended to have a second life: pencil holders, bulk pots, everyone can find a new use! Made in the Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region, these pots are 100% recycled, recyclable and reusable.

 

Promote local products to reduce your environmental impact

Maïa-Ko responded to the demands of amateur gardeners, who previously lacked natural solutions for caring for their gardens, vegetable patches, or indoor plants. Caroline Baly, the founder of this young start-up, has designed ready-to-use blends made from locally sourced organic plants using her knowledge of medicinal plants. One example: the nettle, burdock, and dandelion blend, which naturally stimulates plant growth. The eco-designed spray bottles are 100% recyclable, and the packaging of the product shipped via e-commerce has been designed to have the least impact on the environment. Refills are available to limit waste production.

Certified BIO Sustainable Enterprise®, Croquelicot reinvents the organic and fair-trade biscuit by favoring local partners: more than 50% of the ingredients come from producers located less than 250 km from its workshop in Mâcon. Excluding all controversial ingredients (palm oil, flavorings, preservatives, etc.), the company offers a beautiful range of sweet and savory biscuits, 70% of which are in bulk.

QED – Creative, High-Quality, French, Sustainable. This is how the pasta brand, made from wheat from the organic durum wheat sector in the Ile de France region and manufactured in Meaux using local products, defines itself. Thanks to these short supply chains, the company guarantees fairer incomes for producers. Its fresh, dried, and ravioli pasta can be enjoyed with complementary sauces for maximum taste pleasure. Its founder, former chef Frédéric Bonomo, was a 2021 winner of the Réseau Entreprendre Seine et Marne.

Many organic companies present in Natexpo from 18 20 September 2022 in Die will present their innovations aimed at a circular economy and overall waste reduction.

Also noteworthy is the presence of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Brittany, Centre, Hauts-de-France, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and South-West regions, which promote local know-how, and numerous mission-driven companies based on the circular economy.