General Information

Packaging refers to all materials, fabricated containers and other components used in the containment, protection, movement and display of a product or commodity. The environmental effects of packaging extend beyond disposal - resources and energy are consumed and pollutants are released during production and transportation of packaging.

On October 29, 2009, the Council of Ministers approved in principle a Canada-wide Action Plan for Extended Producer Responsibility and a Canada-wide Strategy for Sustainable Packaging.

CCME's Extended Producer Responsibility Task Group (EPRTG) is currently responsible for providing guidance on the development and implementation of initiatives to address the issue of packaging. Past CCME efforts on packaging include development and endorsement of the National Packaging Protocol (NaPP), in 1990, a voluntary agreement with industry to reduce waste. NaPP achieved a 51 percent reduction in the weight of packaging waste sent for disposal by 1996, four years ahead of schedule. In addition, CCME has prepared reports, guidelines and codes of practice to help industry and jurisdictions achieve the reduction targets.