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Packaging Working Group & Industry Resources
Packaging Working Group
Recognizing the global focus on plastic packaging and Canada’s commitments to reduce plastic waste, CPMA members established the Plastics Packaging Working Group (PPWG).
The group advances systems-wide change through three key pillars:
- Developing guidelines, standards, and best practices
- Engaging stakeholders across government and industry ecosystems
- Promoting education and dialogue throughout the supply chain
The Roadmap to Sustainable Fresh Produce Packaging
This roadmap was developed by the Sustainable Produce Packaging Alignment (SPPA) consortium, a diverse industry group committed to advancing scientifically sound, achievable, and sustainable fresh produce packaging guidelines for the fresh produce industry and retail partners throughout North America. Key drivers for undertaking the work plan include:
- Commitment to sustainability
- Regulatory dissonance
- Rapidly evolving policy deployment
- Conflicting buyer expectations and objectives
The purpose of this roadmap is to identify and champion opportunities for the fresh produce industry; to pave the way for a cohesive, industry-wide shift to more functional, economical, and environmentally conscious packaging.
- Navigating the Federal Plastics Registry (2025)
- Sustainable Packaging Guide For Food And Fresh Produce (2023)
- The Future of Sustainable Packaging – What Consumers Really Want in Packaging (2023)
- Rationale and Guidance for Migrating to Certified Industrial Compostable PLU Stickers (2023)
- Fresh Produce Plastics Packaging Design Guidelines (2023)
- Sustainable Produce Packaging podcast (2022)
- VCMI Final Report - Comparative Analysis of Plastic versus Cardboard Banana Corner Boards (2022)
- CPMA Packaging Materials Selection Guide (2020)
- Plastics Research 2020 by Abacus Data (2020)
- CPMA Preferred Plastics Guide (2020)
- CPMA Plastic Packaging webinar* (2021)
- Executive Summary of Technical Report* (2019)
- Technical Report - A landscape review of plastics in the Canadian fresh produce sector* (2019)
- Produce Packaging Executive Framework (Roadmap Overview)* (2019)
- CPMA Plastics Packaging Roadmap (Complete Roadmap)* (2019)
- Plastics Research 2019 by Abacus Data* (2019)
CPMA actively participates in government consultations related to packaging and recycling regulations to ensure fresh produce industry realities are represented.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Background
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies shift the cost and responsibility of packaging waste management to producers — those introducing packaging into the marketplace. For the produce sector, EPR frameworks are reshaping material choices and compliance requirements across supply chains.
Webinar: Extended Producer Responsibility in Canada (May 2024)
Presented by Jo-Anne St. Godard, Executive Director, Circular Innovation Council.
Covered topics:
- Background on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Frameworks for Packaging and Printed Paper (PPP)
- EPR Trends across Canada
- EPR Key Characteristics, Provisions & Stakeholders
- Obligated Parties, Performance and Compliance
- EPR Fees & Reporting
ECCC Consultations Impacting Produce
CPMA Research on Behalf of Industry
Building on the efforts to date to inform government of the adverse impacts of proposed PLU ban regulation and the proposed Pollution Prevention Plan Notice for Primary Food Packaging, CPMA, in collaboration with produce industry stakeholders and partner associations, undertook extensive research to both qualify and quantify the regulatory impacts on Canadians and Canada’s fresh produce sector. The executive summary and supporting studies are provided below for reference.
Key Publications:
Sustainable Packaging Guide for Food and Fresh Produce
The Sustainable Packaging Guide is an interactive web resource designed to help industry professionals make data-driven, sustainable packaging choices that balance performance, safety, and environmental goals.