As extended regulations for packaging roll out in several provinces and territories, a slew of Canada-based producer responsibility organizations are collaborating on the development of “ecodesign guidelines” aimed at enhancing the recyclability of packaging products.
The joint initiative involves a total of five organizations which span the nation geographically but share the same vision: Circular Materials, Éco Entreprises Québec, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, SK Recycles, and Recycle BC.
The partnership represents a “major step” toward a harmonized national framework, according to a statement from the organizations, which will provide guidance to thousands of producers who market their goods nationally.
“This collaboration represents an important milestone for Canada’s recycling systems and for producers across the country,” posits Karen Melnychuk, who serves as Executive Director of Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba.
“By working together to harmonize ecodesign and recyclability guidelines, we are helping producers make informed choices that reduce waste and strengthen the circular economy,” she continued.
In 2024, Éco Entreprises Québec launched an initial set of guidelines, which in 2025 were endorsed by other entities, including Circular Materials, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, SK Recycles, and Recycle BC.
“By incorporating ecodesign into our extended producer responsibility mandate, we are ensuring consistency and accountability, which are key to changing practices,” commented Maryse Vermette, President of Éco Entreprises Québec.
The guidelines will be structured around three main ecodesign strategies: reducing packaging weight and volume; encouraging producers to choose environmentally responsible suppliers with traceable supply chains; and bolstering the recyclability of products to maximize compatibility with existing and developing sorting infrastructure.
“A circular economy for packaging and paper products begins in the design stage,” suggests Allen Langdon, Chief Executive Officer of Circular Materials.
“Optimizing product design for recyclability improves recovery rates by ensuring materials are collected, recycled, and returned to producers for use in new products and packaging,” he added, “ultimately driving a circular economy to the benefit of Canadians and the environment.”