Canada’s ban on the manufacture and import for sale of single-use plastics will come into force beginning on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.
The official announcement of the steps following the ban was made at the end of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) which was held in Montreal from December 5 to 19. The ban enacts the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations which is part of the country’s comprehensive plan to address pollution.
“With this ban, and our participation toward achieving a global treaty, we’re joining the global effort to reduce plastic pollution and protect our wildlife and habitats,” shared Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change in a statement.
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“There is a clear linkage between a world free of plastic pollution and a sustainable world, rich in biodiversity—a world that also best supports the health and economic security of Canadians, protects our environment, and helps in the fight against climate change.”
Under the ban, the manufacture and import for sale of the following harmful single-use plastics will be prohibited:
- checkout bags
- cutlery
- foodservice ware made from, or containing, problematic plastics that are hard to recycle
- stir sticks
- straws (with some exceptions)
“With this ban, we are expected to avoid 1.3 million tonnes of plastic waste over the next ten years across Canada, leading to less pollution and healthier communities,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health.
The ban heavily impacts the food service sector, but the government is allowing businesses a window for proper transition and to consume their existing stocks through a phased approach. This means that while the ban will be in force for the first five categories of plastics mentioned above, the sale of these items will be prohibited beginning December 2023.
The sixth category, ring carriers, or plastic rings or straps designed to carry beverage containers will also be banned beginning June 2023. The sales of these items will be prohibited beginning June 2024. In the same month, the sale of flexible straws packaged with beverage containers will be prohibited.
By the end of 2025, the manufacture and import for the purposes of export of all six categories will be prohibited.
Information for this briefing was found via the Government of Canada, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
