France has taken an important step in managing waste oils without harming the environment and has developed a model that contributes to the understanding of the circular economy. One of the most important elements of this model is the producer responsibility organization CYCLEVIA, established in 2020. This organization plays a critical role in the collection and processing of waste oils in France.
CYCLEVIA’s Establishment and Objectives
CYCLEVIA was established in compliance with Law No. 2020-105, which came into effect in France on February 10, 2020. This law mandates the implementation of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for mineral, synthetic, and industrial oils and lubricants, effective from January 1, 2022. CYCLEVIA began its operations on October 1, 2021, and was officially recognized as the producer responsibility organization for the lubricants sector in France on February 24, 2022, receiving a six-year approval from the French government.
Formed through the collaboration of 22 companies representing approximately 80% of the French lubricants market, CYCLEVIA is designed to cover all geographical areas for which producers are responsible. Its primary objective is to minimize the environmental impact of waste oils while efficiently managing these processes with high performance.
Strategies and Achievements of CYCLEVIA
CYCLEVIA has adopted a financial Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model for the collection and recycling of waste oils. This model has been identified as the most suitable solution for the sector, maintaining its competitive structure. Consequently, high efficiency is achieved in the recycling processes of waste oils, and environmental responsibilities are fulfilled at the national level.
In addition to managing existing processes, CYCLEVIA conducts technical studies to increase the reuse rates of waste oils. Specifically, the organization promotes the inclusion of refined oils from waste oils in the composition of new products and aims to develop sustainable recycling solutions. CYCLEVIA’s ultimate goal is to ensure the collection of 53% of waste oils by 2025 and 55% by 2027.
Different Waste Oil Collection Trials
CYCLEVIA conducted its first waste oil and oil packaging collection trial for individual customers from October 2023 to April 2024, in collaboration with its network of vehicle maintenance partners. This initiative is crucial due to the unique challenges of waste oil management in overseas regions and the associated environmental health threats.
The trial yielded highly encouraging results, collecting 3,895 kg of used oil and 628 kg of plastic packaging over six months. These figures represent an 11.4% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Future Plans and Investment Calls in France
To enhance the management and recycling processes of waste oils in France, CYCLEVIA has initiated a project call for the establishment of a state-of-the-art waste oil regeneration plant by 2024. The planned investment for this project is up to 10.5 million Euros, highlighting its significant importance for the future of the French circular economy market.
Conclusion
CYCLEVIA stands as a vital model for the management of waste oils in France, aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Its achievements in recycling and waste management not only benefit the environment but also bolster the economy. France’s proactive measures in waste oil management serve as an exemplar for other nations, fostering a more sustainable environmental consciousness globally.
[1] Why was CYCLEVIA Created? https://www.cyclevia.com/en. Access: 20 February 2025.
[2] A Strong Commıtment To Overseas France https://cpl-lubrifiants.com/Cpl-sou/PG/Press%20release%204%20April%202022.pdf. Access: 21 February 2025.
[3] https://www.cyclevia.com/en/post/guadeloupe-review-of-the-first-waste-oil-collection-operation Guadeloupe: Review of the first waste oil collection operation. Access: 03 March 2025.
[4] Regeneration: Cyclevia extends it call for projects in 2025 https://www.cyclevia.com/en/post/regeneration-cyclevia-extends-it-call-for-projects-in-2025. Access: 03 March 2025.
