ECCC Consultation On Food Contact Plastic Packaging Pollution Prevention Plan Requirements

On August 1, 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada ("ECCC") published a consultation document to gather views on a proposed requirement for certain retail parties in the food supply chain to develop and implement a pollution prevention plan pursuant to a Pollution Prevention Planning Notice ("P2 Notice") for primary food plastic packaging (i.e. plastic packaging that comes into direct contact with food).¹ Grocery retailers, stakeholders, interested partners, and Canadians are invited to comment on the proposal until August 30, 2023.²

CONCERNS ABOUT PLASTIC POLLUTION

In the consultation, the ECCC explains that Canadians are concerned about plastics littering beaches, parks, streets and shorelines. The Government of Canada has committed to move towards zero plastic waste and is proposing to develop a P2 Notice for primary food plastic packaging to reduce plastic pollution. The ECCC notes that this builds on efforts and commitments by grocers and food brands