What becomes of our distress flares? PYRéO launches a major national survey.
National Survey Launched on Disposal of Expired Marine Pyrotechnics
An Unprecedented Look at a Sensitive Subject
Flares, parachute rockets, smoke signals… These pyrotechnic devices are essential in case of distress at sea. However, when they reach their expiration date, their fate remains largely unknown. While 300,000 units are put on the market each year, a significant portion still escapes official collection and processing channels. Between home storage, misuse, or simple neglect, these highly flammable objects can pose real safety and environmental problems.
To better understand these practices, PYRéO, the eco-organization in charge of the end-of-life management of nautical pyrotechnic products, launched a national survey on July 28th. Entrusted to Inddigo, a firm specializing in environmental behavior, it aims to quantify the volumes of expired or already used devices, analyze the flows from raft revision stations, and identify the obstacles or incentives to voluntary deposit.
Understanding Usage to Better Organize Collection
The questionnaire is aimed at all stakeholders in the sector: boaters, professionals, harbor masters, chandlery stores, and local authorities. It will identify habits, the implicit “codes” of the nautical environment, and any non-compliant uses – such as the festive use of these devices.
The results, expected in six months, will allow PYRéO to adjust its strategy. While the organization has already collected 43.2 tons of devices in 2024 through its network of collection points and regular tours, the recovery potential remains largely improvable. The sector intends to rely on this data to strengthen its actions, expand its territorial network, and raise awareness further.
A Sector to Structure, a Gesture to Adopt
Created by the Federation of Nautical Industries and approved by the Ministry of Ecological Transition since 2015, PYRéO embodies a collective approach to better manage these very specific wastes. Through this survey, the eco-organization hopes to change behaviors and anchor the reflex of voluntary deposit. A small gesture, for a safety and environmental preservation issue that is far from secondary.
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