Request for Proposal: Economic Value of Canada's Circular Economy (Phase 1)

Closing Date: November 30, 2026

Invitation

Circular Innovation Council (CIC) invites proposals from qualified economic consulting firms, research organizations,
academic teams and/or consortia to undertake a rigorous national and provincial analysis of the economic value generated by
circular-economy activities in Canada. The successful proponent will combine Canadian economic-impact modelling
expertise with a strong understanding of circular economy systems, resource recovery, extended producer responsibility (EPR),
material flows and industry data.

About Circular Innovation Council

Circular Innovation Council is a non-profit charity and membership-based organization that’s mission is to put circular economy concepts into action. We activate innovative pilots, conduct research, and provide resources and knowledge-sharing opportunities for governments, institutions, and businesses of all size across the Canadian economy to advance circularity.

Background

Canada has significant economic activity associated with recycling, resource recovery, producer-responsibility systems and other circular activities, but these activities are not consistently defined or quantified as an integrated part of the Canadian economy. CIC is undertaking a phased research program to establish a credible evidence base on the economic impact and broader value of circular activity across Canada.

Phase 1 will focus principally on regulated and non-regulated recycling/resource-recovery systems, with national and province/territory-level results beginning with packaging and printed paper and deposit-return system, with additional streams added as CIC confirms them. The work is intended to support evidence-based public policy, investment, industry strategy and future expansion of the analysis into value-retention processes and resource-intensive sectors.

Project Schedule

CIC intends to complete the core Phase 1 analysis and final report by March 2027. Proponents should provide a detailed work plan that meets or improves on the following indicative milestones:

Contract award/kickoff: December 10, 2026
Methodology and data plan: December 2026
Primary-data collection: Within 3 months of kickoff
Preliminary modelling/results: March 2027
Validation and revisions: April 2027
Final Phase 1 report and datasets: May 2027

Download the RFP

Download the RFP to learn more about the requirements and bidding instructions. 

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