Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) - Proposed Regulation/Policy

ECCC has published a Pollution Prevention Notice for Primary Food Packaging which includes a Risk Management Objective which states:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are distributed and sold in bulk and/or in plastic-free packaging - at least 75% by 2026, at least 95% by 2028
  CPMA has submitted initial comments and is working with industry, government and elected officials to address the very significant concerns with this proposal.

Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) recently released a technical paper for the proposed Federal Plastics Registry and a Regulatory Framework Paper for the proposed Recycled Content and Labelling for Plastic Products Regulations. Section 5.5.3 includes Requirements specific to PLU produce stickers stating: All plastic Price Look-Up [PLU] produce stickers would be required to be compostable (therefore prohibiting non-compostable plastic produce stickers). This would not prohibit plastic stickers that are industrially compostable but, in general, the proposed regulations raise many concerns.
- CPMA submitted comments to ECCC including a section on the PLU sticker proposed prohibition.

CPMA is working closely with government and industry stakeholders to address significant concerns as outlined in the comments to ECCC. As part of the extensive advocacy and stakeholder engagement, CPMA has been signatories to two joint association letters and one CPMA-only letter which were sent to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of the Environment, and other applicable Cabinet Ministers.
- Joint Association Letter to the Prime Minister & Relevant Cabinet Ministers – August 2023
- Joint Produce Association Letter to the Prime Minister & Relevant Cabinet Ministers – August 2023
- CPMA letter Outlining Food Cost/Availability Concerns to the Prime Minister & Relevant Cabinet Ministers – October 2023

Environment & Climate Change Canada (ECCC) – Proposed Regulation/Policy