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 […]
It Was Never About the Straws Read More »
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
New StatsCan Data Shows Paper Fibres Most Diverted Material Read More »
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
Exploring the Environmental Implications of Potential Tariffs Read More »
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
The Recyclability of Paper Bags Should Not Be Controversial Read More »
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
Revisiting EPR for IC&I Read More »
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
Celebrating International Women’s Day with Candice Ruggero from Cascades Recovery+ Read More »
The Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) monitors environmental issues impacting the Canadian paper packaging industry, especially recycling, since recycled paper-based materials are an important supply of our industry’s feedstock. To that end, we track federal and provincial government activities on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which is a policy approach in which a producer
Are we putting the cart before the horse when it comes to EPR in the IC&I sector? Read More »
As the Paper and Paperboard Packaging Environmental Council (PPEC) continues to work on achieving its mission to promote the environmental sustainability of the Canadian paper packaging industry, we will also be closely monitoring the following key issues in 2023: Extended Producer Responsibility and Recycling Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach in which a
What PPEC will be Watching in 2023 Read More »
Earlier this year, the Circular Innovation Council announced that October marks the inaugural Circular Economy Month. As the Council continues to build on the success of their annual #WasteReductionWeek, they are now expanding the focus to circular economy for the entire month. In their announcement, they shared “For 20 years Waste Reduction Week in Canada has focused on
Celebrating Circular Economy Month Read More »
Nova Scotia might have the country’s highest diversion rate as a province (44%) but British Columbians recycle more as individuals. An analysis of the latest data from Statistics Canada shows that the average British Columbian diverted 377 kilograms of waste in 2016. That’s 60 kilograms more than the average Nova Scotian and twice as much
British Columbians and Nova Scotians are Canada’s best recyclers Read More »
