A collective of NGOs demands that the multinational be forced to plan a ” deplasticization trajectory “. This procedure is launched on the basis of the law on the duty of vigilance. Legislation that obliges large companies to ensure respect for human rights and the environment, including by their suppliers.
A first warning shot had been sent in September. Danone was among the nine companies (Carrefour, Auchan, Lactalis, …) to be given formal notice by ClientEarth, Surfrider Foundation Europe and Zero Waste France. The organizations are launching this procedure in France on the basis of a 2017 law on “duty of vigilance”, which obliges large French companies to ensure respect for fundamental human rights and the environment right down to their suppliers. of the whole world. This “duty of vigilance” is increasingly used by associations to sue large groups and publicize controversial activities: This is the case, for example, of TotalEnergies for an oil project in Uganda.
But the multinational which markets yogurts and Volvic and Evian water bottles or even baby meals, is the only one at this stage to be summoned before the Paris court. Why ? Because the NGOs explain, she does not mention plastic in her “ vigilance plan »
Reducing use rather than recycling
Danone thinks very surprised “. ” We don’t do nothing “, assures the company ranked among the ten largest “ plastic polluters in the world by the “Break free from plastic” movement (behind Coca, Pepsico or Nestlé). The subject is in any case present in its annual report.
The group explains implement actions aimed at reducing the use of plastic, developing reuse, strengthening recycling channels and developing alternative materials “. Materials whose nature he does not detail, glass being in his eyes only “not necessarily the solution “. However, NGOs accuse it of betting too much on recycling rather than reducing the use of plastic. Danone used nearly 751,000 tons of plastic in 2021, according to its latest annual report.
Faced with the challenge of plastic pollution, Danone does not intend to move forward alone and relies on the development of an international treaty. An agreement must be negotiated by 2024 under the aegis of the UN.
(With AFP)