New CSA Group Standard Outlines Clear National Definition for Plastics Recycling

Only 36 per cent of Canadian business leaders find it easy to define plastics recycling, according to a recent CSA Group survey

Toronto, ON, November 26, 2024 – As Canada works towards a more sustainable future, the urgency to establish a consistent definition for plastics recycling has never been more important. Research conducted by CSA Group highlights a significant knowledge gap among Canadian business leaders – noting that only 36% felt confident in defining plastics recycling, however, an overwhelming 92% agreed that a unified definition would be essential for effective action. The research findings underscore the need for clarity across the entire plastics recycling supply chain.

Today, CSA Group announced the publication of a new National Standard of Canada, CSA R117:24: Plastics Recycling: Definitions, measuring, and reporting. The standard, developed by CSA Group with support from the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), provides a comprehensive definition of plastics recycling in Canada. It will help policymakers and business leaders understand clearly and consistently when and how much plastic has been fully recycled. It also aims to help standardize the reporting and calculation of recycling rates, targeting all non-biodegradable plastics.

“Standards can play a critical role in plastics recycling,” said Michael Leering, Director of Environment & Business Excellence at CSA Group. “By establishing a standardized framework and consistent definitions across the various recycling methods, tracking and measuring, the circularity of plastics becomes more clear. In turn, this new National Standard can help support better decision-making across supply chains.”

The National Standard of Canada was developed using a consensus-based approach, shaped by volunteer members representing various interest groups that included government officials, manufacturers, recyclers and other industry representatives.

“The transition towards a circular economy is ongoing,” continues Leering. “By defining points where materials can be deemed ‘recycled’, this standard will help guide industry leaders in enhancing the efficiency of recycling reporting.”

Various stakeholders stand to benefit from the new standard, including policymakers wishing to establish plastics recycling rate targets in legislation, municipalities that report data on the recycling of plastic, waste management companies reporting on their recycling performance, and industries that partake in the plastics supply chain.

CSA Group continues to invest in research and standards focused on supporting Canada’s transition towards a circular economy, such as A Roadmap to Support the Circularity and Recycling of Plastics in Canada, or Defining Recycling in the Context of Plastics. This research serves as a resource for policymakers and industry partners to create a more streamlined plastics recycling process.

To learn more about the new standard, visit the Plastics Recycling page on the CSA Group website.

Source: CSA Group