It is no secret that people around the world are doing their best to cut down on plastic use, with many governments speeding up the efforts. From city-wide bans to state or province-wide regulations, bans on plastic are increasingly common. Now, Canada is banning most single-use plastics.
The Ban on Plastic
The ban on plastic specifically addresses six types of single-use plastic. These include bags, straws, cutlery, stir sticks, takeout containers, and carrier rings. As of December 2022, it will be illegal to manufacture or import those items. As of December 2023, it will be illegal to sell them. By December 2025, it will also be illegal to export them.
What This Means for Product Packaging
Other than takeout containers and possibly carrier rings, most of the explicitly-banned items don’t directly affect product packaging. However, it is clear that this is the direction things are heading. Even if there is no current ban on using single-use plastic in product packaging, any company selling in Canada would be wise to phase it out.
Packaging Can Be Affected
After all, banning plastic in packaging is the next logical step after these plastic bans. It is also unclear how some of the banned forms of plastic will be defined and how enforcement of the ban will be carried out. For example, much of product packaging could be interpreted as plastic bags, such as the packaging traditionally associated with loaves of broad. And many foods and drinks attach plastic straws or utensils for consumption on the go.
Consumers Demand a Reduction in Plastic
Additionally, there is a high demand from consumers for companies to stop using plastic in their packaging. When a business eliminates single-use plastics from their packaging, they can easily use it as a marketing ploy.
It’s Better to Transition Without Rushing
Of course, it is also better to start your transition away from plastic packaging given more time. At some point, there will likely be an explicit ban on plastic packaging, and getting ahead of it prevents you from needing to make abrupt changes. Preparing ahead of time will enable you to acquire your new packaging materials and produce them without the stress of rushing with every other business. You may find that this will put you a step ahead of your competitors.
How to Transition Away From Plastic
If you are ready to transition your product packaging away from plastic, it is easier than you may realize. SoOPAK has sustainable options like folding carton boxes. You will see options that can work for various industries. And with custom packaging, you can get a plastic-free box designed to fit your brand and product.
Conclusion
Canada is implementing a ban on several specific types of plastic, including bags and takeout containers, by the end of the year. This has left many companies wondering if their product packaging will still be legal. Even if the law doesn’t explicitly affect your product packaging, it is smart to begin the transition away from plastics as soon as possible. It is easier to do than you may realize with custom sustainable packaging solutions made available by companies such as SoOPAK.
