New Federal consultations: Plastics registry, recycled content requirements and labelling rules

Last week, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published the following consultation documents for stakeholder comment:

• Technical Paper: Federal Plastics Registry
• Recycled Content and Labelling Rules for Plastics: Regulatory Framework Paper

These will be of interest to members as the federal government is proposing to develop a plastics registry where producers would be required to report on plastics placed on market and amounts collected, recycled, reused, etc. for a range of categories, including: packaging, electronics, textiles, white goods, and more. There will also be minimum requirements related to the amount of recycled content needed in certain types of rigid and flexible packaging (e.g., beverage bottles, waste bags, etc.) and labelling requirements for recyclability and compostability.

We are pleased to note that some of RCC’s feedback from previous consultations has been incorporated, including the recommendation of using a QR code for information on where and how to recycle the item. To build on this, RCC will be working with members to prepare submissions prior to the consultation deadline of May 18, 2023. ECCC has also been invited to present to RCC’s Plastics Committee today, April 25, 2023 (2-3pm ET), which will be followed by a member-only meeting on April 28, 2023 (1-2pm ET) to discuss draft industry positions.