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

Why the Global Plastics Treaty Matters for Canada’s Packaging Industry

Leave a Comment / Packaging, Plastics / By Rachel Kagan

After nearly three years of negotiations, the sixth round of talks on a global plastics treaty concluded on August 15 in Switzerland. Representatives from 183 countries – including Canada – and more than 400 organizations met to work toward a legally binding agreement addressing plastic pollution across its full lifecycle, from design and production to […]

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Beyond the Headlines: Context on Ontario’s Proposed Blue Box Changes

Blue Box, Extended Producer Responsibility, Ontario Government / By Rachel Kagan

The Ontario government recently proposed amendments to the province’s Blue Box Regulation, triggering swift reactions from stakeholders. As the environmental voice of Canada’s paper packaging industry, the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) believes it’s important to move beyond reactionary narratives and look at the facts. Instead of pointing fingers or pitting stakeholders against

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It Was Never About the Straws

Packaging / By Rachel Kagan

Every so often, a new packaging item ends up with a bull’s-eye on its back. One year it’s plastic bags. The next year, it’s paper bags. Ironically, it’s rarely the reusable bag that gets the same attention – despite the average Canadian owning 23 of them, which might even seem low when you open your

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New StatsCan Data Shows Paper Fibres Most Diverted Material

Paper Recycling, Plastics, Recycling Data / By Rachel Kagan

Statistics Canada recently released the results of its Waste Management Survey[1], which includes national waste diversion data for 2023. In this blog, PPEC breaks down the numbers with a focus on paper fibre diversion, discusses the latest plastic figures in the context of recent federal election platforms, and highlights the importance of recycling data. 2023

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Exploring the Environmental Implications of Potential Tariffs

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+

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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Author name: Rachel Kagan