Accelerating the transition to circular consumption models

The example of the AGEC law in France

Adèle Chasson, Public affairs manager at HOP - Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (Stop Planned Obsolescence) from 2019 to 2020

Laetitia Vasseur, Co-founder and executive officer at HOP - Halte à l’Obsolescence Programmée (Stop Planned Obsolescence)

The NGO HOP contributed to drafting the AGEC act (Anti-Gaspillage et Economie Circulaire) [Anti-Waste and Circular Economy] adopted by the French parliament in early 2020. HOP was an active member of the working groups that prepared sections of the new law dealing with repairability and extending the working life of electrical and electronic products. Working with government, manufacturers, retailers and repair specialists, organizations like HOP worked to represent consumers’ interests, helping to ensure the adoption of a repairability index that will help consumers understand the extent to which certain categories of products can be repaired.

The process that ultimately led to the AGEC law also led to the establishment of a repair fund intended to lower the ultimate repair cost paid by consumers. These mechanisms should help to shift people’s thinking. It is hoped they will also encourage manufacturers and retailers to improve their practices so that they offer products that are easier to repair and last longer. They may also encourage consumers to choose products that are more respectful of the environment.