TRIMAN is a mandatory symbol that tells French consumers how to dispose of products properly — recycle, reuse, or bring to collection points. This guide explains when, where, and how you must apply the TRIMAN logo and sorting instructions to your products and packaging as part of your extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligations.

What is the TRIMAN logo?

The TRIMAN logo was introduced in France in 2015. It must appear on products sold to French households when the product is subject to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This is particularly important for businesses managing epr stock or operating within EPR properties schemes.
It shows that the product:

• Should not be thrown away in regular trash;

• Can be sorted, collected, reused, or recycled.

These actions support sustainability and are aligned with best practices for managing epr packaging and tracking epr dividend history where applicable.

Who must display the TRIMAN logo?

You must show the TRIMAN logo if:

• You place products on the French market (as a producer, importer, or private label seller).

• The products are covered under EPR schemes in France, including regulated categories such as epr fireworks, toys, gardening tools, and textiles.

• The products are intended for household (B2C) use — not for B2B.

Examples of EPR categories: toys, gardening equipment, furniture, electrical tools, textiles, etc.

Where should the logo be placed?

You must show the TRIMAN logo and sorting information:

• Directly on the product

• On its packaging

• In the printed materials supplied with the product (e.g. manual, leaflet)

Only showing the logo on your website is not enough. Online content is optional and may complement, but not replace, physical marking.

Are there any exceptions to TRIMAN labelling?

Yes — if your product or its packaging is very small, you may use digital sorting instructions (e.g. via website or QR code).

In both cases, sorting instructions should be easy to find and accessible to consumers online.

These size tiers help ensure even the smallest products meet EPR requirements.

What is the implementation timeline?

If your product falls under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and is subject to TRIMAN requirements, the process follows these standard steps:

• Label design & proposal: Producer responsibility organisations (PROs) define and propose sorting signage formats in consultation with public authorities.

• Official approval: The French authorities validate the proposed format.

• Start of the marking obligation: Once approved, producers have 12 months to place the TRIMAN label and sorting instructions on all affected products.

• Sell-through period for old stock: After the 12-month implementation phase, companies have an additional 6 months to sell non-compliant stock — this only applies to certain sectors.

Key elements of the sorting signage

Key elements of the TRIMAN logo

Messages behind the label

TRIMAN instructions promote two environmentally friendly actions:

• Donating – Encourage people to give items a second life by passing them to family, friends, or charities.

• Ecomaison, for example, works with more than 400 charitable associations that resell donated goods at affordable prices.

• Recycling – Help reduce waste by turning old items into new raw materials.

Sorting instructions for consumers

The label informs users of all available options for disposing of a product responsibly, in the following recommended order:

• Donate to a social or charitable organization

• Use textile drop-off points (for items like curtains or nets)

• Return the item in-store or during delivery (available for some retailers depending on store size or turnover)

• Drop off at a waste collection center (déchèterie)

This hierarchy promotes reuse before recycling and helps improve collection and recovery rates.

Consumer information for disposal of items

This ADEME search engine, designed for individual users, shows all sorting solutions and collection point locations for each type of waste. Consumers can therefore easily and quickly find all solutions for disposal of their used items, based on their GPS data.

Protected area

The protected area around the TRIMAN label is defined based on the size of the “FR” circle (country code).

This space ensures the logo remains clear and visible. No text, images, lines, or other design elements are allowed within this area.

What is not allowed when using the TRIMAN logo

To keep the TRIMAN signage compliant with extended producer responsibility (EPR), the following changes are strictly prohibited:

• Changing the color of the TRIMAN icon — it must match the color of the full logo block, as required for epr properties stock.

• Using sorting instructions without the TRIMAN logo — both must appear together under EPR system rules.

• Changing the position of the TRIMAN icon — standard layout supports consistency across all epr packaging.

• Resizing the icon independently — must scale with the full signage, especially for branded or epr stock materials.

• Altering the proportions of the label block — uniformity is key for recognizability in all epr-compliant products.

These rules help ensure clarity for consumers and protect compliance across epr properties and regulated product lines.

Colours and typography for TRIMAN signage

You can adapt the TRIMAN sorting label to fit your packaging or communication materials, as long as visibility and compliance are maintained.
Available Versions

• Full-colour version: Use this format whenever possible for the clearest and most recognizable display.

• Black monochrome version: Use this version only if you face printing limitations and cannot use the colour version.

• Reverse (white-on-dark) version: If the label is placed on a dark or coloured background, you must use the reverse printing version to keep the symbol visible.

These options give flexibility while ensuring that the TRIMAN label stays clear and consistent across all formats.

Dimensions of the versions with three pictograms

• Minimum size

ADEME recommends minimum sizes for use of the TRIMAN logo in the original usage charter for sorting signage: 10mm for the standard version 6mm for the compact version

• Standard version

The standard version is to be used by way of priority.

• Compact version

The compact version should only be used when space is limited. This version may not be reduced under any circumstances. The ratio between the different elements of which the signage is composed must be respected in the event of enlargement.

Signage for DIY and gardening products and toys

This signage is chosen at the discretion of the marketer. The three versions are equivalent, and affixing them in close proximity to the product will ensure regulatory compliance.

For toys or DIY and gardening products mainly sold on delivery, you can opt for one of the following options:

• Two versions with three pictograms indicating donation to charity, recovery upon delivery, or drop-off at a waste disposal center;

• A version with four pictograms also mentioning in-store donation.

Signage for DIY and gardening products and toys

Variations of the standard version

Variations of the delivery sales only version

Variations of the in-store or delivery sales version

New EPR rules for product packaging in France in 2025. Learn how to comply with TRIMAN logo updates and avoid penalties. Full guide for producers inside.

Unsure if your packaging meets TRIMAN and EPR rules? Contact us — our experts will help you stay compliant in France.