Plastics

Plastics and plastic products are more than just convenient; they are essential to modern life. CIAC Plastics Division (PD) members are involved in every step of the plastic production process, from the production of plastic pellets to manufacturing final products such as personal protective equipment (PPE), packaging to protect food and reduce spoilage, automotive parts, computer and electronic components, and renewable energy applications like solar panels and wind turbines.

Our commitment to a low-carbon circular economy means that we manufacture these plastic products in a responsible and sustainable way, that keeps plastic in the economy and out of the environment.  Our members are taking actions to limit or eliminate plastic waste and pollution while taking advantage of the benefits that plastic brings towards transitioning to a low carbon economy.

CIAC Plastics Division members are committed to:
100% of plastics packaging being recyclable or recoverable by 2030  
100% of plastics packaging being reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040

Promoting Canada’s low-carbon plastics industry

With the demand for plastic continuing to grow, Canada has an opportunity to use competitive advantages, including having access to abundant low-carbon natural gas feedstock and a skilled labour force to attract investment, grow the country’s plastic sector, and help the country’s economy thrive in the years to come. Plastics are sustainable, durable and lightweight; these attributes make them a key piece to helping other industries lower emissions, including automotive, construction, food and beverage, among others.

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Creating a circular economy for plastics

A circular economy will see plastics used, re-used, repurposed, and recycled again and again giving us all the benefits of plastics with a lower environmental footprint. The industry recognizes its responsibility to eliminate plastic waste and move to a circular economy for plastics. To continue in the right direction, changes are taking place, including product design, and adoption of extended producer responsibility programs whereby industry designs, manages and pays for province-wide recycling systems. However, significant investment in improved sortation and mechanical recycling infrastructure is needed for plastics to be collected at a scale that makes it possible for industry to recycle plastics into new products.

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Promoting advanced recycling

Many Canadian companies are leading the way on research into advanced recycling. These new technologies transform plastic products back into their basic building blocks, allowing the production of recycled plastic that is indistinguishable from new plastic in terms of performance and application. Investing in advanced recycling means that recycled plastic can be used in any product where new plastic is currently used. It also means that the plastic in the market today can remain in the economy, continually being turned into new products and reducing our reliance on natural resources. The best part is that the recycled plastic has a lower environmental footprint than new plastics, it will also increase the availability of made-in-Canada low-carbon products, providing an important trade advantage for Canadian businesses.

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