France’s Reusable Packaging System Marks One Year of Large-Scale Pilot

One year after the launch of its large-scale reusable packaging system in June 2025, France is demonstrating how policy support can help turn reuse from isolated pilots into coordinated national infrastructure. The shared system now operates across four regions, involving more than 360 supermarkets, around 50 brands and approximately 170 product lines, making reusable packaging available to around 16 million consumers. Early results show over 518,000 products sold in reusable packaging, with return rates averaging 24% and reaching up to 60% in some locations, while shoppers have rated the experience 8.6 out of 10.

The initiative highlights that scaling reuse requires more than business ambition alone. It has been enabled by a supportive policy framework that encourages investment, collaboration and shared infrastructure across the value chain. Rather than creating separate systems for individual brands, the programme brings together retailers, producers, logistics providers and reconditioning operators within a common, standardised system. This coordinated approach reduces costs, simplifies participation and provides a practical model for expanding reusable packaging at a national scale.

More info: https://www.citeo.com/le-mag/le-reemploi-se-deploie-dans-4-regions-francaises/