Conference-debate: "Industry and waste: toward the circular economy"

After an introduction by Nicolas Renard, Executive Director of the Veolia Institute, Valérie Guillard, Professor of Marketing at the University of Paris Dauphine, focused on consumer behavior and the issue of sufficiency, which questions the need to purchase, upstream of the circular economy. 

Ronan Groussier, Head of Public Affairs at the NGO Halte à l'Obsolescence Programmée-HOP, presented the work of his organization to inform consumers, influence public decisions and help companies extend their products' lifespan and enhance repairability.

Jean-Paul Raillard, president of the ENVIE federation, recalled the potential for local job creation in the circular economy, particularly in the field of repair. The Envie network employs 2,800 people, two-thirds of whom are on social integration schemes, for the repair of WEEE, in particular large household appliances, and medical equipment (e.g. wheelchairs).

Cédric L'Elchat, Managing Director of Veolia subsidiary SARP Industries, recalled the challenges in terms of public health, climate, environmental protection and strategic resources of the development of electric vehicles. He explained why the recycling of electric vehicle batteries is a solution for the future.

The speakers' presentations were followed by a debate, moderated by Franck Aggeri, Professor of Management at the Scientific Management Center of Mines ParisTech and coordinator of the latest issue of the Veolia Institute  Review "Industry and waste: toward the circular economy".