The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) and the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) have announced their aim to reuse, recycle or recover all plastic packaging by 2040.
Image: Canada intends to recycle or recover all plastic packaging by 2040. Photo: courtesy of City of Vancouver.
The new targets are a part of the industries’ commitment to a future without plastic waste, CIAC said. CPIA and CIAC represent the broad plastics value chain in Canada.
In addition to setting out aspirational goal of 100% of plastics packaging being re-used, recycled, or recovered by 2040, CPIA and CIAC have set out 2030 as the deadline for ensuring all plastics produced in Canada to be recyclable or recoverable by 2030.
CPIA president and CEO Carol Hochu said: “Plastics innovations are essential to increase living standards and improve overall sustainability via new products that design out waste, reduce food waste, support resource efficiency, conserve water and natural resources and reduce emissions. But it is a waste of precious resources for plastics to be used once and then landfilled.”
CIAC said that significant investment will be required to achieve the goals. The investment will be made across the value chain in new and upgraded infrastructure and improved packaging design.
CIAC president and CEO Bob Masterson said: “Industry has a role to play in designing materials and applications for greater recovery, reuse and recyclability, but addressing the issue of plastic waste will require actions from society as a whole and from all of us as individuals.
“Our members are committed to doing their part, working with governments and others, to significantly improve the recycling and recovery of post-use plastics packaging to complement existing innovations. Supports for investments in new innovations such as chemical recycling will be essential to achieving these goals.”
Earlier this year, Vancouver has announced approved a comprehensive zero waste strategic plan, which bans prohibit plastic straws and polystyrene foam cups and take-out containers.