Disposable or reusable tableware for a corporate event: what does French law say?
Plastic banned, reusable tableware mandatory from 20 people served on site, the case of caterers and delivered trays: what the AGEC law says, and what to choose.
France's 2020 AGEC law changed event tableware: single-use plastic is banned, and reusable tableware is mandatory in certain cases since 1 January 2023. Here is what applies to a corporate breakfast, cocktail reception or buffet.
What is banned
| Single-use plastic product | Banned since |
|---|---|
| Cups, glasses, plates | 1 January 2020 |
| Cutlery, straws, stirrers, picks, polystyrene boxes | 1 January 2021 |
| Cups containing plastic, even a small proportion | 1 January 2026 (traces only) |
The ban applies even if the product is recyclable, compostable or "bio-based": PLA is considered plastic, as is a cardboard plate coated with plastic film. Since 2021, it has also been prohibited to hand out plastic bottles free of charge in workplaces.
When is reusable tableware mandatory?
Since 1 January 2023, for any on-site dining activity, even occasional, as soon as it can host at least 20 people at the same time, seated or standing. You often read "20 seats": that is inaccurate.
| Situation | Reusable tableware mandatory? |
|---|---|
| Trays, buffet or breakfast delivered ready, with no preparation on site | No |
| Dishes only reheated on site | No |
| Lunch trays served outside a dining area (meeting room) | No |
| Caterer preparing part of the dishes on site, from 20 people | Yes |
What remains allowed
Where reusable tableware is not required: disposable tableware made of cardboard or paper without plastic film, wood, palm leaf or cellulose.
What to choose for your event?
- Meeting, delivered breakfast: plastic-free disposable tableware, or reusable for the image.
- Reception, executive breakfast: porcelain and glassware, with a maître d'hôtel.
- Live cooking station prepared on site for 20 people or more: reusable tableware.
With L'Écrin Traiteur
Our delivered orders are presented on trays, with disposable cups, napkins and cutlery at no extra charge. For reusable tableware, we hire porcelain, glassware and table linen from Options, a leading name in reception equipment hire; collection costs €19 excl. VAT. See our guide to equipment hire or request a quote.
Sources
- Law No 2020-105 of 10 February 2020 (AGEC); article L541-15-10 and article D541-342 of the French Environment Code; "plastic and anti-waste" FAQ from the Ministry for the Ecological Transition (May 2023).
- Minister's answer to written question No 4425, Official Journal of 14 February 2023.
This article gives general guidance; it does not replace advice from a lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Is disposable tableware banned for a corporate event?
Single-use plastic tableware is banned. Cardboard without film, wood and palm leaf remain allowed where reusable tableware is not required.
When is reusable tableware mandatory?
Since 1 January 2023, for on-site dining from 20 people, seated or standing. A caterer is only concerned if it prepares part of the dishes on site.
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