In January 2023, a coalition of NGOs—ClientEarth, Surfrider Foundation Europe, and Zero Waste France—filed a lawsuit against Danone, accusing the company of failing to comply with France’s duty of vigilance law regarding plastic use. Following mediation ordered by the Paris Judicial Court, the two parties have now reached an agreement, ending the legal proceedings.
As part of the agreement, Danone has committed to four key actions:
1. Updating its vigilance plan to address plastic-related risks.
2. Strengthening policies to reduce and prevent plastic-related risks, including the development of reuse solutions.
3. Publishing its plastic footprint.
4. Holding annual meetings with the NGO coalition from 2025 to 2027.
Danone’s updated vigilance plan highlights the environmental and health risks associated with plastic, particularly in packaging. The company acknowledged that plastics, including sensitive substances and microplastics, pose significant risks to water, air, soil, climate, human health, and human rights. Kamila Drzewicka, spokesperson for the NGO coalition, welcomed the update, calling it “the first time” such risks have been clearly identified in a vigilance plan.
The updated plan includes actions to reduce plastic use, develop reusable packaging, and manage plastic waste. Danone also committed to publishing detailed information on its reuse initiatives, including pilot projects for bulk and reusable packaging solutions.
“We remain extremely careful to ensure that companies do not replace plastic with other single-use materials,” Drzewicka said, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic use and fostering reuse systems.
Danone’s ongoing plastic assessment will include estimating the amount of plastic across its value chain. The company has committed to publishing relevant information on its progress in reducing plastic use.
As part of the agreement, Danone will continue discussions with the NGO coalition, focusing on progress in reducing plastic in packaging and promoting reuse solutions.
Sebastien Mabile, a lawyer for the coalition, noted that the agreement “illustrates the potential of the Duty of Vigilance law,” highlighting its role in fostering dialogue between businesses and civil society to address and mitigate risks.