National Push for Packaging Harmony: Canada's PROs Unite for Circular Economy Shift

OTTAWA, ON – November 17, 2025 – A landmark collaboration between five of Canada’s leading Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) is set to reshape the country’s packaging and paper recycling landscape. Circular Materials, Éco Entreprises Québec (EEQ), Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, SK Recycles, and Recycle BC have joined forces to harmonize ecodesign guidelines, a move industry experts predict will streamline regulations for producers, reduce confusion, and ultimately boost recycling rates across the nation.

A Fragmented System on the Verge of Change

For years, Canada’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) system has been a patchwork of provincial regulations, creating significant challenges for companies operating across multiple jurisdictions. Differing rules regarding recyclable materials, packaging design, and reporting requirements have increased compliance costs and hindered the development of a truly circular economy. “The lack of consistency has been a major pain point for producers,” explains one industry representative. “Navigating the different rules province by province adds complexity and expense.”

The initiative addresses this head-on by establishing a national framework for ecodesign—designing products and packaging with end-of-life considerations in mind. The new guidelines, building on work originally pioneered by EEQ, will focus on three key strategies: Reduction—minimizing material use; Procurement—prioritizing recycled and renewable content; and Recyclability—designing for compatibility with existing recycling infrastructure.

These five PROs collectively represent approximately 97% of the Canadian population, ensuring a significant national impact. The provinces covered include Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, as well as Yukon. This broad coverage is crucial for achieving a truly harmonized system.

Beyond Recycling: The Rise of Ecodesign

The collaboration isn’t simply about improving recycling rates; it’s about shifting the focus upstream to prevent waste in the first place. “We’re moving beyond just managing waste to actively designing it out of the system,” says a spokesperson for Circular Materials. “Ecodesign is about considering the entire lifecycle of a product, from material sourcing to end-of-life management.”

This approach emphasizes the importance of material choices, packaging design, and product durability. By encouraging producers to prioritize recycled content, minimize packaging weight, and design for disassembly, the new guidelines aim to create a more circular flow of materials. “It’s about making it easier and more cost-effective for recyclers to do their job,” explains a source at Recycle BC. “The better the design, the better the recovery.”

Industry experts believe that this shift towards ecodesign will not only benefit the environment but also drive innovation and create new market opportunities. “Companies that embrace ecodesign will be well-positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable products,” says one packaging consultant. “It’s a competitive advantage.”

Navigating the Costs and Challenges

While the harmonization initiative is widely seen as a positive step, some industry representatives have expressed concerns about the potential costs of implementation. Redesigning packaging, sourcing new materials, and retooling manufacturing processes can be expensive, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

“There’s a cost associated with making these changes,” admits one producer. “We need to ensure that the transition is manageable and doesn’t put an undue burden on businesses.”

The PROs involved in the collaboration acknowledge these concerns and are committed to providing support and guidance to producers throughout the transition process. They are also exploring financial incentives and other mechanisms to help offset the costs of implementation.

Furthermore, adapting existing recycling infrastructure to handle new packaging designs and materials may require investments in sorting technology and processing capacity. “There’s a need for ongoing investment in recycling infrastructure to keep pace with the evolving packaging landscape,” says a source at Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba.

Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits of a harmonized and sustainable packaging system are widely seen as outweighing the costs. A more efficient and effective recycling system will reduce waste management costs, conserve resources, and protect the environment. It will also enhance Canada’s reputation as a leader in sustainability and circular economy innovation.

This harmonization is expected to streamline compliance for producers operating across multiple provinces, reduce administrative burden, and create a level playing field. It promises to drive innovation in packaging design and material science and foster greater collaboration between producers, recyclers, and policymakers. “This is a game-changer for the Canadian recycling industry,” concludes one industry expert.