Canada: New Consultation for Zero-Plastic Waste

by | May 2, 2018 | Canadian Regulatory | 0 comments

Environment and Climate Change Canada has released an online consultation to discuss the process of moving the country towards zero-plastic waste. This will ask Canadians to share their ideas and suggestions in managing plastic waste and marine liter. In addition, it will examine how to ensure plastics remain in the economy and not in landfills nor the environment.

In Canada, less than 11% of plastics are recycled, compared to 9% globally. The remaining is thrown away equating to $100 to $150 billion worth of plastic a year around the world. Plastic litter is found along all of Canada’s coasts and in freshwater shores. Much of this eventually ends up in the oceans and lakes and poses a serious risk to the overall  health of marine ecosystems. Many marine animals have been ingesting these plastics and this has been increasing the mortality rate of these animals- as well as threatening the seafood industry- and therefore also increasing human health risk.

The Government of Canada will work with provinces and territories as well as industry, municipalities, non-profit organizations and research institutions to develop an approach to keep plastics out of landfill and the environment.

As Canada and many other countries around the world are working to reduce plastic waste, there are many ways for individuals and companies to change their production and consumption of plastics. These range from reducing use of disposable plastics and moving towards reusable or biodegradable materials.

The consultation will be looking for the public’s answers to the following questions:

  • What are the most important issues related to plastics management and marine litter?
  • What do we need to do to achieve zero plastic waste across Canada and to prevent plastics from entering the environment?
  • Who needs to be involved to achieve zero plastic waste?

Comments to their consultation is currently open and will be accepted through e-mail, mail, or using PlaceSpeak.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Focal Point Research Inc.  We are leading Canadian regulatory and packaging development consultants.