What does this mean for businesses in Canada who rely on plastic for any items ranging from takeaway containers for restaurants to the packaging on items found at your local grocery store?
The bar has been raised very high for businesses to meet this new requirement, however at this stage, no concrete guidelines have been set, so the classifications for which single-use plastics will be banned is pretty vague, although we can only assume they mean everything.
According to a government representative in discussion with the CBC, the items which could see a total ban would be things such as:
- fast-food containers
- plates
- swabs
- drink stirrers
- cups
- straws
and even balloons
Many businesses in Canada are already making their voices and complaints heard from media outlets across the country. Some are not happy, as it could very well mean a drop in business. With 2021 being the target for this new set of guidelines which is yet to be released, it does give plenty of time for discussions to be had on this subject, and for businesses and consumers to find new and more sustainable ways of solving the current waste crisis.
For more information, please visit the following sources:
Government to ban single use plastics by as early as 2021
Canadas Leader discusses Single-use plastic ban
