Retailers are embedding sustainability best practices throughout their operations. Tackling everything from responsible global supply chain sourcing, efficient recycling, elimination of problematic plastics and significant energy consumption reduction, retailers are committed to acting proactively and collaboratively.
Retail Council of Canada works with retailers and sustainability experts to provide information concerning emerging issues and opportunities.
Key Issues
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Plastics and Alternatives
Recent Updates Plastic packaging and single-use items in retail Retailers are actively working to make supply chains and packaging more sustainable, including a shift away…
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Climate Action and Carbon Management
Recent Updates Canada’s plan to reach net-zero The measures announced in Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, at the UN climate change conference…
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ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)
Recent ESG Updates Tools and resources Energy and Water Reporting Requirements for Commercial Buildings This document outlines voluntary and mandated provincial and municipal energy (heat/electricity)…
Sustainability News
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RCC Rejects Potential Billion Dollar Cost to B.C. Business →
Attention compliance and sustainability professionals: Today, RCC responded to the B.C.…
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Urgent Call for Climate Plan Updates and New Finance Goals at COP29 →
Attention sustainability teams: Last week, country negotiators received their first formal…
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Public Consultation on New Greenwashing Provisions in Competition Act →
Attention retailers and manufacturers: On June 20, 2024, the Competition Act was updated with…
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EPR Expansion & Major Breakthrough with Addition of Producer Hierarchy →
Attention retailers selling batteries, lighting, oil, glycol and electronics: After years of RCC…
Sustainability Resources
Stewardship and Recycling 101 →
Stewardship Programs of Canada Database →
Shopping Bag and Single-use Plastic Regulations across Canada →
Regional Sustainability Wins →
Grants & Incentives: Energy & Transportation →
Considerations when Selecting a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) →
Packaging Considerations and Material Alternatives →
Commercial Source Separation and Recycling of Waste →
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and Energy Reporting →
Refrigerant Record Keeping and Reporting Requirements →
Committees
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) / Stewardship Committee (bi-weekly meetings)
The EPR/Stewardship Committee is actively engaged in advocacy efforts around extended producer responsibility and supports members with program compliance for the various recycling and stewardship programs across Canada. The committee reviews proposed regulatory changes to ensure industry’s need and concerns are front-and-center while supporting RCC volunteers and staff who sit on stakeholder and advisory/consultative bodies. Beyond this, the committee guides RCC staff in the development and presentation of RCC positions to provincial and federal governments. Join this committee.
Plastics Committee (monthly meetings)
The Plastics Committee is actively engaged in monitoring single-use plastics bans across the country to support member compliance while exploring packaging and material alternatives (e.g., reusable options, compostables, etc.). The committee also focuses on best practice sharing for a range of topics, including eco-design, recycled content, and improved vendor/customer communications. Committee members help advise RCC volunteers and staff who sit on stakeholder and advisory/consultative bodies and guide RCC staff in the development and presentation of RCC positions on plastics issues to all levels of government. Join this committee.
ESG & Climate Action Committee (bi-monthly meetings)
Governments around the world, including Canada’s federal government, are participating in global efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C. Moreover, ESG reporting frameworks and rating agencies have emerged as an important area for corporates to both monitor and inform. This committee is looking to help facilitate best practice sharing, monitor policies/trends, explore collaborative opportunities and develop related resources. Join this committee
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For questions or more information contact:
Michael Zabaneh
Vice President, Sustainability
mzabaneh@retailcouncil.org