Reuse Pilot Program - Circular Innovation Council

WHAT IS REUSE?

Reuse plays a fundamental role in the circular economy by extending the lifespan of products and materials, thereby reducing waste and conserving resources.

To fight against the environmental toll of single-use packaging, especially prominent in the food service industry, a wide range of innovative reuse systems for food and beverages are being pioneered in Canada and globally.

These initiatives not only have significant environmental benefits, but also stimulate the local economy by generating green employment opportunities. Additionally, they drive innovation by building circular supply chains, and contribute key insights to inform public policy on sustainability and climate change.

FROM DISPOSABLE TO REUSABLES:
Unlocking opportunities for a sustainable food sector

In 2022, the Canadian government initiated a significant shift by banning six types of single-use plastics, setting the stage for a zero plastic waste target by 2030. With packaging being the primary source of plastic waste, there’s a pressing need for change.

The environmental benefits of reducing plastic waste cannot be overstated, from preserving non-renewable resources to safeguarding marine life. Research from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation indicates reusable packaging could reduce plastic emissions by up to 69%.

This shift towards sustainability has sparked a surge of innovation and investment in the reuse sector. However, achieving widespread adoption of reusable solutions requires collaboration across industries, specifically the food service industry.

Case studies show promising results from adopting reusable containers (see Reuse in the World section). They emphasize the importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and local context plays a significant role in implementation.

The economic potential of this transition is substantial, with even a 20% conversion of plastic packaging into reusable models representing a USD 10 billion opportunity (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Reuse – rethinking packaging (2019)).

Circular Innovation Council will be designing and delivering a first-of-its-kind national reuse program aimed at eliminating single use plastic waste. This program is supported by a coalition of national grocery retailers including Metro, Sobeys, and Walmart Canada, and with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the City of Ottawa. This will be the largest collaborative reuse program in Canada.

Starting with the delivery of Reuse Ottawa, a reusable food container pilot planned for launch in Ottawa in mid 2024, this national program will demonstrate scalable, convenient, and permanent solutions to reducing single use plastic packaging through innovative, collaborative reuse models.

REUSE SYSTEMS AROUND THE WORLD

Various reuse initiatives are emerging around the world, ranging from deposit to non-deposit models, along with differentiated container sanitization approaches and governance frameworks. This rising reuse dynamic reflects growing financial investment in circular economy companies and practices, and showcases how policymakers, local authorities, and stakeholders, are actively collaborating in supporting and scaling these initiatives.

Vancouver

Paris

Hawaii

San Francisco

Rotterdam

Vancouver