Rachel Kagan, Author at The Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC)

Exploring the Environmental Implications of Potential Tariffs

Leave a Comment / Circular Economy, Paper Packaging / By Rachel Kagan

As discussions continue around the United States proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports —including paperboard and cardboard — it’s important to consider not only the potential economic implications, but also the possible environmental implications. While these tariffs are still under review, they raise questions about how trade policy may influence packaging decisions and business sustainability […]

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Celebrating International Women’s Day with Paulina Leung from Emterra Group+

Leave a Comment / Women in Paper Packaging / By Rachel Kagan

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate women’s achievements and reflect on the importance of gender equality and inclusivity. In Canada’s paper packaging industry, women play a vital role in driving sustainability, from leadership positions to frontline operations, contributing their insights and experience to advance environmental sustainability. As we mark International Women’s Day on

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Website Blog Image ON Blue Box 24Feb2025 (2)

Navigating Ontario’s Blue Box Transition and the Importance of the Entire Recycling Value Chain

Blue Box, Extended Producer Responsibility, Recycling / By Rachel Kagan

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – a policy approach which makes producers financially and physically responsible for managing the recycling of their packaging – is at a pivotal moment in Canada. By the end of this year, most provinces will have adopted full producer responsibility models for residential packaging recycling programs, which represents a major shift in how

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The Circular Life of a Recyclable Pizza Box in Canada

Circular Economy, Pizza Boxes, Recycling / By Rachel Kagan

What’s better than pizza? Pizza that comes in a box that can be recycled! As we celebrate National Pizza Day on February 9, 2025, the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) is highlighting the recyclability of pizza boxes and their role in the Canadian paper packaging industry’s circular economy. How is a Pizza Box

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PPEC Outlook: Environmental Issues in Focus for 2025

Environmental Issues Outlook, Extended Producer Responsibility / By Rachel Kagan

From the evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, to navigating potential regulations on PFAS use, and getting closer to receiving guidance on environmental claims, all while keeping an eye on the shifting political landscape. These are just a few of the issues the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) will be focusing

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The Recyclability of Paper Bags Should Not Be Controversial

Blue Box, Paper Bags, Paper Recycling, Recycled Content / By Rachel Kagan

Paper bags have been back in the news recently due to a decision by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) on their new bag supplier. In April 2023, the LCBO announced they would ban paper bags from their stores for environmental reasons, which PPEC and others challenged. A year later, the Premier directed Ontario’s

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Revisiting EPR for IC&I

Extended Producer Responsibility, IC&I / By Rachel Kagan

Last year the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) asked if we were putting the cart before the horse when it came to considering a regulated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach for recycling packaging in the non-residential sector, commonly known as the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional or IC&I sector. Revisiting that question now and

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New StatsCan Data Shows Paper Represents Majority of Diverted Materials

Paper Recycling, Recycling Data, Waste Diversion / By Rachel Kagan

Statistics Canada released the results of its biennial Waste Management Survey1, containing waste diversion data for 2022. PPEC’s latest blog breaks down the stats and discusses the importance of recycling data. The new data shows that Canadian households and businesses diverted 9,898,882 tonnes of waste in 2022, and of the total amount diverted, 3,571,384 tonnes

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Sustainable Forest Management is Essential to Canada’s Paper Packaging Industry

Circular Economy, Sustainable Forest Management / By Rachel Kagan

Sustainable forest management is essential to the Canadian paper packaging industry and its circular economy. Environmental sustainability is at the core of the operations of Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) member companies, who use recycled content as their primary feedstock in making paper packaging products. And yet, misconceptions surrounding forestry and paper packaging

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Celebrating International Women’s Day with Candice Ruggero from Cascades Recovery+

Women in Paper Packaging / By Rachel Kagan

International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of women’s achievements but also a reminder of the importance of gender equality and inclusivity. In Canada’s paper packaging industry, women play an integral role in driving sustainability forward. From leadership positions to frontline roles, women contribute their expertise, knowledge, insights, and experience in advancing the circularity

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Author name: Rachel Kagan