Packaging-free Network was founded on 10 March 2016 in Paris with the aim of promoting packaging-free shopping as a sustainable, responsible consumer habit.
The Legal Handbook for the packaging-free sector is a reference document for retailers. Authored by Lucia Pereira, our Legal Affairs Manager, the guide clarifies the regulations applicable to the sale of loose products, both food and non-foodstuffs. It is available to association members via the document library in the Member Area of the website. It is updated regularly.
In November 2016, board member Didier Onraita led the first “Opening a packaging-free shop” training course with a group of 15 participants.
By the end of the year, Packaging-free Network had registered 205 members.
Maryse Noël, our hygienist trainer led our first “Good hygiene practices and HACCP for packaging free retail” course, in Paris in November 2017. Seven retailers took part.
We designed the training course and the Good Hygiene Practice guide to establish standards for retailers, promote safety and safeguard public health.
By the end of the year, Packaging-free Network had registered 252 members.
Thanks to a lobbying campaign led by Packaging-free Network, the sale of olive oil refills was authorised in France in January 2018. Retailers need to apply to France Agrimer for authorization. Customers must ask to be served and containers may not exceed five litres.
We welcomed our first trainee, Sophie, to the team in February 2018.
She worked on the association’s communications. Her traineeship ended in June 2018.
The first trade fair for packaging-free goods, services and fittings took place on 26 March 2018. Some 200 visitors attended the fair at Halle Pajol in Paris to browse the stands proudly presented by 30 exhibitors, all representatives of a fast-growing sector.
Élise worked as a volunteer with us from June to December 2018, helping to structure the association and contributing to development.
On 1 October 2018 we moved into our offices, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, in premises lent to us by association member Le Comptoir Colonial.
On 1 October 2018, our first community service volunteer joined us following our approval in August 2018.
Pauline joined Célia and Élise for an 8-month placement, providing valuable help.
By the end of the year, Packaging-free Network had registered 616 members.
Chloé Liard joined Packaging-free Network on 4 February 2019 as Business Development Manager. She was our first employee to be awarded a permanent contract.
Thanks to the association, refills of detergents and cosmetics is now authorized in containers provided by consumers, subject to conditions.
The second Salon du Vrac, a key event for the packaging-free sector, was held on Monday 27 May at Café A. Some 1,000 visitors attended the fair to browse the stands proudly presented by 60 exhibitors offering products, services and merchandising for packaging-free retailers.
On 13 June 2019 Packaging-free Network expanded its operations to Belgium. Author of “Le zéro déchet sans complexes" and blogger at " zerocarabistouille.be ", Sylvie Droulans joined Packaging-free Network as Country Manager to boost the growth of the packaging-free sector in Belgium.
On 13 December 2019 the amendments proposed by Packaging-free Network to the bill on the circular economy were approved by the French National Assembly. The amendments provided :
By the end of the year, Packaging-free Network had registered 1170 members.
Thanks to lobbying campaigns led by Packaging-free Network in 2019, the bill on the circular economy and waste reduction became law on 11 February 2020.
We teamed up with the NGO Zero Waste Europe and Eunomia to produce this, the first European survey of packaging-free retail.
The book covers the history of packaging-free retail and the importance of adopting an environmentally friendly approach, the sorts of goods available from specialists, the best containers to use and advice on how to become a more ecological and economical consumer.
The third Salon du Vrac took place on 7–8 September 2020 at La Cité Fertile in Pantin, on the outskirts of Paris. It attracted 100 exhibitors and some 2,000 visitors.