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Reflecting our global Springwise readership, we explore the innovation landscape and freshest thinking from a new country each week. To celebrate Bastille Day yesterday, we are celebrating three exciting innovations from France…

France innovation facts

Global Innovation Index ranking: 11th

Climate targets: reduce consumption of fossil fuels by 40 per cent by 2030, net zero by 2050

Sustainability issues

Nitrate pollution – France is one of Europe’s agricultural powerhouses. As a result, water pollution from fertiliser use has been a challenge for the country. While levels of phosphate have declined, nitrate levels in groundwater, which accounts for 65 per cent of the drinking water supply, are still considered too high.

Air pollution – Air pollution causes 40,000 premature deaths in France annually, with nitrogen dioxide levels considered ‘excessive’ in five urban areas: Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille-Aix, Grenoble, and Paris. In 2021, a court fined the french government €10 million for failing to reduce air pollution to acceptable levels.

Energy mix – Because France gets 75 per cent of its electricity from nuclear power, it has relatively low carbon emissions compared to similar countries. However, the French nuclear fleet is aging, and the government has key decisions to make about the country’s future energy mix. Because of the use of nuclear, a very low proportion of France’s electricity currently comes from wind and solar.

Sector specialisms

Biotechnology

Health

Industrial digital technology

Robotics

Real estate

Source: Business France, Statista

Three exciting innovations from France

RESCUING AND UPCYCLING UNUSED FABRICS

According to startup Uptrade, an average of 12 per cent of all the fabric produced globally each year is wasted. The company is the first European platform to rescue and upcycle unused fabrics that would otherwise have been discarded. The platform acts as a matchmaker, pairing those wishing to buy fabric with textile manufacturers and fashion labels with excess fabric in their inventories. Read more.

A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL MADE FROM PLASTIC WASTE

According to a group of students behind an innovative recycled plastic material, recycling plastic into disposable items like bottles only delays the problem of plastic pollution. Every time a plastic bottle is recycled it degrades, and manufacturers compensate by adding a proportion of virgin plastic to maintain product quality. Moreover, recycling systems are far from perfectly efficient so some plastic is lost each cycle. The group’s solution? Using recycled plastic as a construction material for wall coverings, countertops, and furniture. Read more.

MAKING CITIES MORE LIVEABLE AND ENJOYABLE THROUGH URBAN REFORESTATION 

Cities that replace natural land with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other hard surfaces absorb and retain heat. This, in turn, increases energy costs, air pollution levels, and the number of heat-related illnesses and deaths. In a bid to cool our cities, French startup Urban Canopee has come up with an innovative solution – deploying plant canopies at key locations in urban areas. Read more.

Words: Matthew Hempstead

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