Lorax EPI attends the Canadian Stewardship Conference
by Aaron Sarah at 13:16 in Circular Economy, Emerging, Packaging
Whilst Canada is renowned for its Rocky Mountains, poutine, and grizzly bears, it has also gained international recognition for its commitment to product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (EPR). Every two years, people gather at the Canadian Stewardship Conference to explore the latest in stewardship and EPR practices in Canada.
Lorax EPI at the conference:
This year, the conference took place in Toronto and featured a lineup of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Lorax EPI hosted a pre-conference workshop focused on data and EPR reporting, providing attendees with valuable insights into the complexities of EPR data requirements and the critical role that accurate data plays in compliance.
As an exhibitor, Lorax EPI also had the chance to engage with conference attendees, sharing our services and solutions tailored to the evolving landscape of EPR.
Key themes of the conference:
Throughout the two-day event, several key themes emerged, highlighting the current challenges and future direction of EPR in Canada. A significant topic was the issue of 'free riders'- producers who do not comply with EPR regulations but still benefit from the system. It was regularly raised that this poses financial challenges for compliant producers who bear the costs of non-compliance.
Another important discussion centered around harmonisation. Given that EPR is legislated at the provincial level in Canada, finding ways to harmonise regulations is crucial for simplifying reporting and compliance for producers. This theme also touched on developments in the United States, where packaging EPR obligations are just beginning.
The conference also focused on future initiatives, particularly the Canadian Federal Plastics Registry. Environment and Climate Change Canada shared updates on the registry, which is set to open for registrations by the end of 2024, with the first reports due in 2025.
Overall, Lorax EPI found the Canadian Stewardship Conference to be an enlightening experience filled with engaging conversations and insightful panels. If you're seeking support with EPR in Canada or globally, please reach out to Lorax EPI today!
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