Volume IIII | May 2021
May 2021 Newsletter
The Federal Government has signalled its intent to add ‘Plastic Manufactured Items’ to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) Schedule 1: List of Toxic Substances on May 12, 2021. This is a precursor to the introduction of regulations to ban some single-use plastics. The CIAC PD continues to oppose bans and advocate that CEPA is not the right tool to manage post-consumer plastics since they are, in fact, safe and inert consumer products.
 
The Federal Government has also tabled Bill C-28, Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act, which includes a response to the nomenclature issue associated with referring to all chemistries as ‘CEPA Toxic’. The proposed change in title recognizes that the use of this term causes confusion for the layperson and can lead to public misconceptions. CIAC PD acknowledges this change but remains concerned that the inappropriate ‘CEPA Toxic’ label will be applied to ‘Plastic Manufactured Items’ prior to the passage of Bill C-28 despite a clear intent to remove this nomenclature. The timing for the passage of Bill C-28 remains unknown.
 
We continue to advocate with provinces for the introduction of extended producer responsibility programs with submissions to Alberta and Saskatchewan and meet with government officials across the country on your behalf. 
 
The Plastics Division (PD) continues to develop a strong foundation and structure with opportunities for regular engagement with and amongst members. This includes the establishment of the PD Public Affairs and Communications working group (PD-PAC) and the establishment of two roundtables for members actively involved in compostables and recycling (mechanical and advanced). These roundtables will allow us to develop policies and positions that will inform our advocacy efforts with governments. 
 
Elena Mantagaris, VP, CIAC Plastics Division
CIAC Plastics Division, Canada Plastics Pact Co-sponsor WCEF Side Event
Realizing Technology Innovations to Recirculate Plastics will focus on the unique experiences of five leading Canadian companies working on collaborative projects aimed at scaling, commercializing, and deploying solutions for developing a circular economy for plastics in Canada.

Discussion will include an examination of the technological, policy, investment and infrastructure landscape and the ongoing efforts required to bring us closer to solutions that eliminate plastic waste.

Panellists include:

  • Sarah Marshall, Director of Sustainability, NOVA Chemicals
  • David Lynch, General Manager, Research and Development, Enerkem
  • Jocelyn Doucet, CEO, Pyrowave
  • Keith Bechard, Chief Commercial Officer, ReVital Polymers Inc.
  • Ricardo Cuetos, Vice President Americas, Standard Products, INEOS Styrolution America LLC
CIAC Supports Key Findings from Canadian Energy Research Institute Study (CERI)
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is pleased to support and acknowledge several key findings in a study by the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI): Towards A Circular Economy of Plastic Products in Canada.

The comprehensive study, commissioned by CIAC, focuses on mapping the movement of plastic waste in different provinces by plastic-type and identifies the economic opportunities associated with recycling post-consumer plastics.
Calls for Submissions: Canada's Exports of Environmental and Clean Technology Goods and Services Study
The Standing Committee on International Trade is undertaking a study on opportunities for Canadian exports of green, clean and low-carbon technologies – including plastic recycling technologies - and is accepting submissions from those interested in the topic.
 
CIAC PD member Pyrowave will be presenting to the Committee on May 7 and other companies should consider submitting a brief to highlight your technologies and associated opportunities. 

CIAC Members Appear Before ENVI Committee to speak on Single-Use Plastics
In April 2021, CIAC PD and some of its members appeared before the House of Commons Environment Committee as they study the impact of the Federal Government’s approach to plastic waste.

CIAC PD representatives included:

  • John Galt, President, Husky Injection Molding Systems
  • Mike Burt, VP, Dow
  • Tony Moucachen, President, Merlin Plastics
  • Bob Masterson, President & CEO, CIAC
  • Elena Mantagaris, VP, CIAC PD
Plastics Division VP Featured in Upcoming Webinar
On May 13th, CIAC PD Vice President, Elena Mantagaris, will be featured in a webinar being hosted by the Society for Plastics Engineers.
 
Mantagaris will explore the dynamic plastics landscape, from federal and provincial approaches to plastic waste management and innovative Canadian technologies that are leading the transition to a circular economy for plastics.
 
Operation Clean Sweep Webinar Update
The CIAC Plastics Division (PD) recently held a webinar on the implementation of Operation Clean Sweep, a stewardship program for members to prevent plastic pellet spills in the environment. Implementation of OCS is a requirement of membership with the CIAC PD.
 
The OCS manual, checklists and tracking documents are available on the Members Only portal of the CIAC website. If you missed the webinar, please contact Aaron Naor for more information at: anaor@canadianchemistry.ca
 
Dow Named one of the 2021 Best Workplaces in Canada
Dow was recently named one of Canada's Best Workplaces for 2021, making it onto the prestigious list of 50 companies with more than 1000 employees.
Pyrowave Among 12 Innovators Chosen as BloombergNEF Pioneers
CIAC PD member Pyrowave was recently named one of only 12 2021 BloombergNEF Pioneers. The honoured companies are early-stage companies that are pursuing exciting and important low-carbon opportunities. 
PolyKar Launches Easy-to-Use App for Flexible Packaging Industry
Polykar recently announced PolyApp - an app designed to bring all commonly used industry calculators into one centralized location.
 
Developed for production planners, extrusion operators, and even sales reps working for a converter or a distributor, PolyApp allows users to prepare orders and do dimensional calculations for the specific product being designed, manufactured, quoted or purchased.
 
PolyApp can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store by searching for “PolyApp”. The app is available in English and will be available in French at a later date.

ETS, Desjardins Launch EcoSystem
Establishing a circular economy is contingent on an unprecedented collaboration between industry, government, educators, and other stakeholders.

To that end, The Centre for Intersectoral Study and Research into the Circular Economy at École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) has announced the launch of an Ecosystem of Circular Economy Acceleration Laboratories. The initiative is made possible thanks to a $2.1M contribution over five years from Desjardins.

Dow Announces Multi-Decade Sustainability Targets
Recognizing the need for the plastics industry to lead the world in environmental sustainability leadership, Dow has announced new multi-decade sustainability
targets.

Building on Dow's 2025 Sustainability Goals, their targets are aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, while eliminating plastic waste in the environment and increasing their positive impacts on society, their customers and their business.

Polykar Named One of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
CIAC PD member, Polykar, was recently selected as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies.

Polykar, a key manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions, was recognized with the prestigious Canada’s Best Managed Companies designation for its overall business performance and sustained growth.
Green Learning Offers New Youth-Focused Circular Economy Course
Green Learning has a new online course available that's focused on educating students on transitioning to a circular economy.
 
Designed for grades 9 - 12, the program challenges learners to actively engage in creating a circular economy by exploring innovative solutions for reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste. 
Upcoming PAC Disruptors Summit
The Packaging Association of Canada is hosting its virtual Disruptors Summit on June 2nd and 9th.

The summit will address packaging design, recycling opportunities, and challenges facing the packaging industry.

Speakers will cover a range of topics, including:

  • Promoting cross-value chain collaboration for results that benefit the industry at large

  • How to scale disruptive and revolutionary change, turning big ideas into big impact to the bottom line

  • Creating positive change for equity and inclusion with breakthrough packaging solutions
BASF Canada and Bullfrog Power Launch Documentary on Circular Economy
BASF Canada and Bullfrog Power have partnered to produce The Afterlife of Waste, a documentary on the topic of the circular economy. The informational project aims to educate Canadians on a more efficient resource management system and position circular economy as a key component to capturing the value of plastic waste.

News and Important Headlines
Canadians need stronger environmental protection against 21st-century dangers
Following the Federal Government's recently announced changes to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), the National Observer published an op-ed by Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson where he explains the government's rationale for the changes.
Pyrowave, GreenMantra featured in Star Article on Advanced Recycling
The Toronto Star recently featured two CIAC PD members—Pyrowave and GreenMantra—in an article that looked at how new advanced recycling technologies and new uses for recycled plastics can help Canada and the world deal with the issue of plastic waste and move to a circular economy for plastics.

Shaping a Better World: Advanced Recycling, an Op-Ed by NOVA's Sarah Marshall
NOVA Chemicals Director of Sustainability, Sarah Marshall, recently published an op-ed on Linkedin that look at the pandemic's effect on developing a circular economy for plastics and the need to invest in Advanced Recycling Technologies.

"Today, perhaps more than ever before, the world needs to revitalize its momentum to end plastic waste and build a plastic circular economy."

NOVA Chemicals Among Global Companies Making Recycled Plastics Moves
CIAC PD member NOVA Chemicals is among three virgin plastics producers expanding their recycled resin offerings.

NOVA Chemicals announced the availability of three resins made of 100% post-consumer PE. The Calgary-based NOVA, is also offering a natural LLDPE/LDPE that is derived from distribution center scrap plastic and is suited for collation shrink, stretch wrap and e-commerce applications.
Arizona Enacts Advanced Recycling Legislation to Help End Plastic Waste
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey recently signed a bill into law that will enable greater adoption of advanced recycling in the state. Bill SB 1156 will help position Arizona as a leader in helping end plastic waste in our environment.

Retailers want feds to postpone plastics ban for at least a year
In a recent story in the Toronto Sun, it was reported that Canadian retailers want a delay on the federal government’s proposed ban on single-use plastic for at least a year.

The Retail Council of Canada has highlighted the many ways retailers hurt by implementing a ban too quickly. In the story, Philippe Cantin, Senior Director with the Retail Council of Canada was quoted saying, “More clarity is needed in terms of the government’s intention to broaden the scope of the ban. Given the pandemic, businesses need as much certainty as possible.”

How Recyclers can take advantage of tax incentives
There are tax incentives that apply to recycling companies in the plastics industry that simply aren't being taken advantage of. Check out this recent article from Recycling Product News that highlights some of the key incentives up for grabs in Canada.

In Case You Missed It

RCA Webinar Recap

As the Province of Alberta moves forward with implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, the Recycling Council of Alberta recently hosted a webinar that focused on opportunities EPR can bring to municipalities.

More than 100 people attended the April 13th webinar that was hosted by Calgary City Councillor Peter Demong. With British Columbia already having a successful EPR program, the webinar featured participants from Metro Vancouver, Okanagan, and Shuswap, representing urban, rural-urban, and rural municipalities.  

For anyone who missed the webinar, it is available for download.
  
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We want to hear from you! This newsletter is designed to communicate content that matters most to the Plastics Industry. The goal is to consistently develop new and interesting information, so feel free to reach out with your content ideas anytime.