Reducing the environmental impact of packaging, reducing the burden on our landfills, preserving our landscapes and coastlines, and creating local value from what we discard: this is the mission of Citeo, a state-approved eco-organization, whose efforts in Martinique are now yielding concrete results. Modernization of the Ducos sorting center, simplification of recycling guidelines effective January 1, 2026, and financial support for Martinique-based reuse projects such as Nou Ka Viré. We take a closer look with Philippe Moccand, Citeo’s Director of Industrial Strategy and Overseas Operations, at an initiative entirely dedicated to our island and its residents.
Could you tell us about Citeo and the scope of your operations in the French overseas territories?
Citeo is a mission-driven company founded more than thirty years ago. We work with manufacturers and retailers in the consumer goods sector to reduce the environmental impact of the packaging and paper products they bring to market. In the French overseas territories, we are significantly ramping up our efforts, with initiatives tailored to each region, because the Antilles are unlike both Mayotte and Réunion. Specifically, in Martinique, we are working with the relevant local authorities—Espace Sud, Cap Nord, and CACEM—as well as the SMTVD, to ensure that the majority of Martinicans will have access to effective sorting, collection, and recycling systems in the future, ideally on a local basis.
What is Citeo's overall strategy?
Our strategy is based on three pillars, in that order.
- First, the discount : The best packaging is the kind we don't produce. We therefore work with companies to reduce the amount of packaging brought to market.
- Next, the reuse or repurposing, whenever possible.
- And finally, for the packaging that is produced, ensure that it is recyclable and is actually recycled.
It is this logic of the 3R – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – which we implement everywhere, with a particular focus on the French West Indies and especially in Martinique.
Since January 1, 2026, Martinique has been implementing expanded recycling guidelines. What does this mean for residents?
The primary goal is to divert more packaging from landfills and incineration. Today, household trash bins still contain a lot of packaging, and it can also be found in public spaces. By simplifying the recycling guidelines—all packaging goes in the yellow bin, except for glass, which goes in the designated bins—we’re banking on the simplicity of the action. We often heard people say, «Recycling is good, but it’s complicated.» From now on, as long as it’s packaging—excluding glass bottles—it goes in the yellow bin. It’s as simple as that. We believe this simplicity will encourage people to sort more easily, no matter where they live.
The Ducos sorting center has been modernized. Was that the missing link?
This isn’t a revolution: we didn’t build a new facility. But since January 1, all packaging has been going into the yellow bin, so the facility had to be able to sort it under acceptable humanitarian, health, and social conditions. So we’ve invested in a new baler, which helps optimize transportation costs and thus reduce our carbon footprint, as well as in equipment that allows us to sort new types of packaging. Plastic films, for example, were previously neither sorted nor recycled. Today, the facility is capable of processing them. All of this was carried out in collaboration with Martinique Recyclage, the facility’s operator.
Citeo's Support for Martinique Recyclage
Citeo is providing 100% of the funding for the modernization of the Ducos sorting center, operated by Martinique Recyclage (Seen Group), for an amount exceeding 2 million euros.
Work in progress: Installation of suction inlets specifically for flexible plastic films, a new press adapted to the expanded specifications, expansion of the waste reception area, and enhancement of the fire protection system (to be completed by the end of 2026).
Processing capacity: 12,000 metric tons per year, including an additional 4,000 metric tons of packaging and paper (excluding glass). Estimated volume by the end of 2026: 6,000 to 9,000 metric tons processed.
National Framework: Citeo is providing support to six overseas sorting centers to ensure they can collect all plastic packaging by January 1, 2026. Total investment in the overseas territories: 25 million euros.
Target audience: 360,000 residents of Martinique can now dispose of yogurt containers, polystyrene trays, flexible plastic wrap, and food cartons in the yellow bin or collection station. (See article at: https://martinique2050.com/martinique-recyclage-inaugure-son-centre-de-tri-modernise-a-ducos/)
Martinique still lags behind mainland France when it comes to recycling. How do you explain this?
I don’t have a ready-made solution, which is why we’re working with all local stakeholders. Per capita packaging consumption is roughly the same in Martinique as in the rest of France. It’s the recycling rates that are lower—sometimes by a factor of two or three. For a long time, there was a push to replicate the mainland model in the overseas territories. However, given the unique characteristics of these territories and their local customs and practices, we cannot operate in the same way. Our job today is to understand why this is the case and to work with local governments, industry, nonprofit organizations, the national government, and ADEME to develop tailored solutions.
«Going from two to nine recycled plastic bottles out of ten—that’s the leap in performance that Martinique must achieve.»
What single action would make a difference?
The regular gesture. Even in France, when people sort their trash, one out of every two pieces of packaging is lost compared to systematic sorting. It’s pretty much the same in Martinique. My goal is for this behavior to become second nature: at home, at work, and on the weekend at the beach with family. To achieve this, we need a reliable service and accessible facilities. We’ve rolled out recycling drop-off stations—about 2,300 installed in 2024 and 2025—some equipped with fill sensors that alert the local government and the waste collector. It’s not perfect yet, but we’re working on it.
Citeo's Support for Nou Ka Viré
The CTM, Citeo, and ADEME selected the project led by Nou Ka Viré, a Martinique-based company specializing in the reuse of glass packaging, following a Call for Expressions of Interest (AMI) launched in early 2025.
Project Purpose: Implementation of a shared solution for the collection, washing, and sorting of glass packaging, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, reuse operators, consumers, and local governments.
Citeo Funding: 80% of eligible expenses, up to a limit of 150,000 euros.
Professionals section: eight collective intelligence workshops (five focused on raising awareness, two on jointly developing practical solutions, and one on analyzing feedback).
Consumer segment: Ten half-day events to raise awareness among the people of Martinique about reusing packaging.
Schedule: Validation of technical assumptions and definition of the process for implementing the glass reuse loop in Martinique by the end of 2025.
A complementary initiative: Citeo is also working with SOGES—the winner of another call for proposals—to roll out reusable food trays in institutional food service in Le Lamentin. See the article at: https://antilla-martinique.com/nou-ka-vire-ou-la-renaissance-du-reemploi-du-verre-en-martinique-une-boucle-circulaire-locale-et-ambitieuse
How does Citeo impact the people of Martinique?
We approach this with humility: we don’t have all the answers. We’re testing different strategies: media campaigns—TV, radio, social media—and a presence at events that resonate with the people of Martinique. The Tour des Yoles…. In Réunion, we’re participating in the Grand Raid; in Guadeloupe, at the cycling tour. We seek out moments that bring an entire population together. We also carry out awareness-raising initiatives targeting various audiences, including young people, in partnership with intermunicipal organizations—CACEM, Espace Sud, Cap Nord—using communication kits made available to them.
«Martinique is entering a new phase: with the expansion of recycling guidelines and the modernization of the Ducos facility, we are giving the people of Martinique the practical tools they need to make their island a model for the circular economy.»
In practical terms, what happens to packaging that is placed in the yellow bin?
Across France, approximately 78 % of the packaging placed on the market is recycled. However, there are significant regional disparities. For plastic bottles, for example, in Martinique and Guadeloupe, only about two or three out of every ten bottles are collected and recycled. The target set at the European level is nine out of ten. The key question is how, working with local governments and stakeholders, we can increase that rate from two or three to nine out of ten bottles. What collection methods and incentive programs are needed? That is the challenge: achieving the expected leap in performance across the country.
What role does Citeo intend to play with local governments in Martinique in the coming years, as the SMTVD prepares to undergo a change in governance?
The scope of responsibilities is defined by law: three intermunicipal associations are responsible for waste collection, while the SMTVD is responsible for waste treatment. Our role is to work with everyone. By mid-June, there will be a new chairperson for the SMTVD; and we will work with whoever is appointed to improve performance. Recycling and the environment are not political issues. It’s about getting everyone to do their part—and doing it right.
A message to keep in mind for 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, Martinique is entering a new waste sorting cycle. Beyond the financial investments, what matters is that Citeo and all stakeholders are working together to reduce the impact of packaging on the island. I look forward to meeting with you in a year to take stock: what has worked, and what needs to be corrected. Our goal is clear: to ensure that as much packaging as possible is recycled and sorted in Martinique.
Interview conducted in May 2026 by Philippe PIED
