Whole-of-society approach needed to keep plastics in economy, but out of landfills

One year ago, Canada’s plastics and chemistry industries committed to paving the path forward for Canada in the global challenge of tackling single-use plastics. Two bold goals were set: 100 per cent of plastics packaging being recyclable or recoverable by 2030; and 100 per cent of plastics packaging being re-used, recycled, or recovered by 2040. This week, following a successful year of industry progress, the government of Canada followed suit and announced the first steps of their own strategy to help combat plastic waste. The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada supports the government as they work on the science to better understand the implications of plastic waste in the environment. Specifically, industry welcomes the plans for producer-led extended producer responsibility initiatives which will lead to more harmonized collection and help build markets for recycled plastics. The government’s strategy appropriately recognizes that bans are not the only piece of the puzzle: Canada needs to develop a circular economy for plastics that treats plastics as a resource to be kept in the economy and not leaking into the environment. Following the sector’s commitment last year, much of this work has already begun. Dow, for example, is set to bring its Hefty EnergyBag program to Canada—a program that complements mechanical recycling programs and uses existing curbside recycling infrastructure to capture many plastic materials that can’t currently be recycled. Once collected, these materials can be converted into useful resources like diesel fuel, oils, and waxes rather than being sent to the landfill. In 2018, ReVital Polymers, Pyrowave, and INEOS Styrolution announced a partnership to recycle polystyrene packaging, which will then be used in the manufacturing of new products and packaging. Furthermore, Canadian chemistry industry leaders like NOVA Chemicals, BASF, Dow, and Shell are founding members of the global Alliance to End Plastic Waste. During its first year, the Alliance has already committed more than $1-billion over five years to work with international agencies and help end plastic waste. But despite these achievements, industry recognized that true progress would not be made without strong support from government partners. That is why the June 10 announcement from the federal government, combined with the soon-to-be-released Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Action Plan to support the Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste, are so important. They recognize our governments’ desire to move beyond symbolic actions and instead embrace meaningful solutions to curb the problem of waste, including plastic waste, at its root cause. The focus on finding a balanced approach that stems from corporate responsibility and leadership aims to do exactly that. As always, consumer education will also be an important part of this process. Canada needs a whole-of-society approach to effectively combat the issue, and this must include industry, governments, civil society, and consumers. Plastics remain a vital part of the global economy and are a key product in many products and industries—but they do not belong in landfills or in our environment. That is why we must also take care not to create an inaccurate impression that safe, sanitary plastic materials are toxic through the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)—especially since this will ultimately make it more difficult for Canada to achieve its zero-waste objectives. Europe has taken a legislative approach through waste management and transitioning towards a recycle-based society—Canada needs to capitalize on the opportunity to follow suit and ensure we’re not bringing any unintended repercussions on businesses and job creators. Canada now has the opportunity to cement its position as a global leader on the plastics pollution file with these announcements and demonstrate to the world that industry and government can effectively work together to achieve the results our environment desperately needs. We look forward to continuing to work with the federal government and with Canadians to help implement these solutions and stop single-use plastics from ending up in our environment—where they certainly don’t belong. Bob Masterson is the president and CEO of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada. The Hill Times