RTL Group’s French broadcasting group Groupe M6 is systematically driving forward the reduction of its carbon footprint in the production of its various media formats. Eco-production, the sustainable design of all steps from preparation to post-production, stands in the spotlight of the activities, which are compliant with Bertelsmann’s climate targets. In 2018, the Group decided to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions reported that year by 50 percent by 2030, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.
“Beyond our channels, Groupe M6 as a company is also rethinking its practices, particularly in production,” says Guillaume Charles, Member of the Executive Board of Groupe M6, in charge of Channels and Content. “From preparation and filming through to post-production, our technical and editorial teams are taking on this challenge every day – and the results are already tangible: since 2023, around twenty programs produced or broadcast by Groupe M6 have received an eco-production label.”
From strategy to set
Eco-production means reducing the carbon footprint of content across the entire production cycle – from preparation to filming and post-production. On paper, many eco-measures appear straightforward. Put into practice, they often require deep-rooted habits to change. Catering is one lever: Under current certification standards, red meat must be served no more than once every five meals. The production company Studio 89 chose to go further, maintaining a stricter once-a-week approach – even on productions with catering provided at both lunch and dinner. The background: a single meal containing red meat has the carbon equivalent of 14 vegetarian meals.
There are also concrete effects in terms of consumables: On one season of “Les Traîtres”, 250 rechargeable batteries were used – compared with 600 disposable batteries on earlier, non-eco-produced seasons. Single-use plastic packaging on set has also been significantly reduced.
Transport as the biggest driver of emissions
Transport is particularly emission-intensive. As Charlotte Thomas, Head of Production at SND Fictions, explains, it is often the largest source of emissions on a film: “Teams are still used to travelling in combustion engine vehicles, either out of habit or convenience. Moving to electric vehicles, public transport or car-sharing requires real support.” Banning short-haul flights has proven particularly impactful. On the series “Nouveau Jour”, flights between Paris and Montpellier were prohibited and train travel made mandatory for the six-month shoot. Given that flying emits around 50 times more CO₂ than travelling by train, the impact on the final carbon footprint was significant.
‘Top Chef’ – a large-scale test case
Producing a flagship entertainment show sustainably is complex – which is precisely why “Top Chef” became such a powerful test case. The measures included the reduction of single-use plastics by distributing reusable bottles and installing water fountains. Sorting waste was systemized, LED lightning and energy-efficient equipment is used, green electricity prioritized, train travel favored over flights, and cooperation with eco-responsible suppliers is preferred. “Top Chef” became France’s first entertainment show to receive certification from Ecoprod – the leading French eco-production label promoting sustainable practices across the audiovisual industry. The format achieved a two-star label.
Acceptance greater than expected
The great acceptance within the teams was surprising, according to eco-managers. The diversity of reactions from one production to another – from highly committed teams to more skeptical ones – does exist. However, the approach was well received overall. Transparent communication, pedagogy, and anticipation are essential. Having a dedicated eco-manager makes a real difference. From a budgetary perspective, eco-production represents around 1% of a film’s total budget – covering roles such as eco-managers, certification, and adapted waste systems. These costs are often offset by efficiencies, such as local filming, reuse of sets and costumes, and more sustainable mobility choices.
Sustainability as part of the programming
In addition to its focus on eco-production, Groupe M6 also highlights environmental awareness in its programming. Last week, the seventh “Green Week” took place – for an entire week, Groupe M6 mobilized all its TV, radio and digital channels for this initiative dedicated to raising environmental awareness. In 2025, the event reached 25 million people across Groupe M6’s channels. “Green Week 2026 is not just an editorial highlight; it is the showcase of a long-term commitment that, behind the scenes, mobilizes all our talent – from our channels to our partners, not forgetting our employees – with a shared mission: to harness our ability to bring people together in support of the ecological transition,” says Guillaume Charles.
