For the first time in Canada, five producer responsibility organizations – Circular Materials, Éco Entreprises Québec, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, SK Recycles and Recycle BC – are collaborating to develop ecodesign guidelines to support greater recyclability of packaging and paper products. This initiative marks a major step towards a harmonized national framework that will provide clear guidance to thousands of producers who market their goods in more than one province or territory across Canada.
With extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations for packaging and paper being rolled out in several provinces and territories, ecodesign is a key tool to improve the performance and cost efficiency of recycling systems. By better matching product packaging with current and developing sorting and recycling infrastructure, ecodesign can support increasing overall material recovery rates, meet EPR regulation requirements and enable a circular economy across Canada.
These new nationally harmonized guidelines will build on the packaging ecodesign and recyclability guidelines developed originally by Éco Entreprises Québec and will be structured around three main ecodesign strategies, including:
- Reduction: optimize the “right” amount, weight and volume of product packaging that is essential and sufficient for the product’s function and use by consumers.
- Procurement: encourage producers to choose environmentally responsible suppliers and work jointly with them on a more transparent and traceable supply chain that prioritizes the use of recycled, renewable and certified materials.
- Recyclability: encourage producers to design products to maximize the compatibility of packaging and paper products with existing and developing sorting and recycling infrastructure.
“The national harmonization of ecodesign and recyclability guidelines reflects a shared vision to support producers in their ecodesign efforts and help mitigate material recycling challenges at different sorting and processing stages. This collaboration will lay the groundwork for a national approach that will better support the recycling of packaging and paper across the Canadian marketplace – ultimately enhancing environmental performance and building a more circular economy.”
— Joint quote from the leaders of Circular Materials, Éco Entreprises Québec, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, SK Recycles and Recycle BC.
Highlights
- October 2024: Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) launches its first packaging ecodesign and recyclability guidelines, which are then updated in July 2025.
- October 2025: ÉEQ’s ecodesign and recyclability guidelines are endorsed by four other producer responsibility organizations in Canada (Circular Materials, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, SK Recycles and Recycle BC).
- By the end of 2026: New nationally harmonized ecodesign and recyclability guidelines will help simplify guidance for producers and improve the performance of recycling systems for packaging and paper across Canada.
Quotations
“Recycle BC and SK Recycles remain committed to a circular economy – and progress toward circularity happens when packaging design and recovery systems work hand in hand, ensuring what enters the system can be managed and recycled effectively. As the first full EPR program in North America, the expansion of EPR across the country, and the opportunity to work with other provincial leaders, presents the ability to collaborate on national initiatives, including expanding ÉEQs existing ecodesign and design for recyclability guidelines to create unified, Canadian packaging design guidance for producers. This project is an exciting national partnership that bridges opportunity and impact for the best possible recycling and environmental outcomes.”
Sam Baker, Executive Director, Recycle BC and SK Recycles
“A circular economy for packaging and paper products begins in the design stage. As a not-for-profit PRO operating in five jurisdictions across Canada, Circular Materials is committed to driving an efficient and effective recycling system through collaboration and innovation across the supply chain. We are delighted to partner with PROs across Canada and support producers by developing a harmonized national approach for paper and packaging design. 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 – ultimately driving a circular economy to the benefit of Canadians and the environment.”
Allen Langdon, Chief Executive Officer, Circular Materials
“For more than 15 years, Éco Entreprises Québec has been recognized as a leader in ecodesign in Canada. By incorporating ecodesign into our extended producer responsibility mandate, we are ensuring consistency and accountability, which are key to changing practices. The national adoption of our guidelines confirms the relevance of our approach, as well as our commitment to building a system that is more efficient, sustainable, and aligned with the realities of the industry.”
Maryse Vermette, President and CEO, Éco Entreprises Québec
“This collaboration represents an important milestone for Canada’s recycling systems and for producers across the country. By working together to harmonize ecodesign and recyclability guidelines, we are helping producers make informed choices that reduce waste and strengthen the circular economy. For Manitoba, this initiative supports our commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of residential recycling programs and ensuring that materials collected are truly recycled into new products.”
Karen Melnychuk, Executive Director, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba