The European Council for Packaging and the Environment (Europen) has blasted France's new environment law for breaching European packaging regulations.

The French Senate and National Assembly last month passed the 'Grenelle Environnement' law that seeks to promote a greater sustainability by looking at areas such as climate change, biodiversity and waste.

But, when referring to packaging the Grenelle removes the need for consumer acceptance of the product, which is enshrined in the European Packaging and Packaging Waste directive. As such, France cannot unilaterally change the legislation.

The Grenelle limits the requirements for packaging to "product safety, hygiene and logistics".

Europen managing director Julian Carroll said removing consumer acceptance could affect consumers across Europe and could erode supply chain efficiencies in packaged goods, for example by removing the possibility of multipacks for drinks.

"I would be interested to see the French reaction if suddenly the traditional Champagne bottle was ordered to be replaced by a lighter container on the grounds it did not comply with the Essential Requirements," he said.

Europen is asking the European Commission to begin infringement proceedings against France for the Grenelle's revision of the packaging directive, which is consistent for all member states.

"Having a harmonised EU packaging law is essential to avoid the possibility that goods manufactured member state may be prevented from being sold in another because of different rules about packaging," Carroll said.

For more on the Grenelle law, click here to visit the official ministry website in English.