Managing Waste for a Cleaner Planet: Global Lessons in Sustainability – France

Abstract

The case study series “Managing Waste for a Cleaner Planet: Global Lessons in Sustainability” highlights the contrasting challenges and opportunities faced in diverse socio-economic contexts. Additionally, it discusses the major challenges these countries face in achieving the goal of a significant reduction in food waste. This study assesses how the potential initiatives can lead us to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The importance of adapting waste management strategies to local conditions while leveraging global best practices provides an actionable insight for policy makers, educators, and industries aiming for effective waste reduction. Therefore, reducing waste in the food sector and establishing appropriate waste management strategies are essential to promote the circular economy and effectively achieve the SDGs. These case studies were selected based on the large amount of waste generated, the potential for improvement, and the wide geographical scope. This case study was developed using published legislation, official government reports, OECD publications, Eurostat datasets, and peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2025 to examine France’s food waste management policies and their implications for sustainable development. © The Authors 2026