Analyzing the Impact of Canadian Standards CSA 117:24 and BNQ 3840-100 on Canadian Plastics Recycling

In recent years, Canada has made significant strides in the battle against plastic pollution, with several key standards designed to improve plastic recycling practices. Two major standards—CSA 117:24 and BNQ 3840-100—are paving the way for a more robust, efficient, and standardized approach to plastic recycling across the country. These initiatives aim to support the circular economy, promote sustainable waste management, and provide clarity on what constitutes recycling. In this blog, we will analyze the impact these standards have on Canada's plastics recycling sector and the steps forward for the industry.

CSA 117:24 – A Game-Changer for Plastics Recycling in Canada

The journey to establishing the CSA 117:24 standard began in September 2020 and culminated on November 22, 2024, with the publication of CSA R117:2024: Plastics Recycling: Definition, Reporting, and Measuring. This standard is the product of four years of collaboration between the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and a diverse range of stakeholders, including technical and legal experts from various provinces.

The primary aim of CSA 117:24 is to define and measure plastics recycling more consistently and accurately across the country. Its scope encompasses all non-biodegradable plastics, from any economic sector, and includes both mechanical and chemical recycling technologies.

A key element of the standard is the definition of recycling, which is outlined as:

Recycling: The processing of waste materials to produce secondary materials from which new products are made.

This definition explicitly excludes waste-to-energy technologies, emphasizing that plastics used for energy recovery or fuel generation will not be counted toward recycling. While waste-to-energy systems are valuable for reducing waste, they do not contribute to the circular economy and therefore are not credited under the recycling framework outlined by CSA 117:24.

A significant impact of this standard is its ability to guide policymakers and stakeholders in developing policies aligned with recycling targets under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. By setting clear guidelines for measuring and reporting recycled materials, the standard helps ensure that recycling efforts are more transparent, accountable, and consistent across industries.

Impact of CAN/BNQ 3840-100 on Recycled Plastic Content Products

Another key development in Canada’s recycling landscape is the introduction of CAN/BNQ 3840-100, a certification standard for products containing recycled plastic. Published by the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) in 2023, CAN/BNQ 3840-100 ensures that products made from recycled plastic meet specific content requirements, promoting trust and transparency in the market.

The standard supports the growing demand for products made with post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials by certifying that these products contain a certain percentage of recycled plastic. The certification provides a pathway for manufacturers to showcase their commitment to sustainability and encourages the use of recycled materials in new products. This, in turn, supports the transition toward a circular economy by encouraging a continuous loop of recycling, reuse, and manufacturing.

Together with CSA 117:24, CAN/BNQ 3840-100 enhances the connection between recycled materials and plastic manufacturers. By offering clear standards and guidelines for certification, these two standards help businesses meet recycling targets and ensure they contribute to a more sustainable, closed-loop system.

The Future of Plastics Recycling in Canada

The introduction of CSA 117:24 and CAN/BNQ 3840-100 represents a significant step forward in the Canadian plastics recycling industry. These standards not only offer clarity and consistency but also support the establishment of measurable recycling targets and encourage greater participation in the circular economy. The combination of these standards will be crucial in helping regulatory bodies, policymakers, and businesses track progress and improve plastic recycling efforts across Canada.

Looking ahead, additional standards will likely be published to address plastics reuse, further bolstering Canada’s recycling infrastructure. As these standards evolve, they will play a critical role in advancing the goal of a zero-waste, circular economy that reduces the environmental impact of plastics.

Robust Recycling’s Role in Advancing Canadian Plastics Recycling

At Robust Recycling, we are committed to supporting the efforts outlined by CSA 117:24 and CAN/BNQ 3840-100. Drawing on our academic and operational expertise, we aim to contribute to the development of Canada's first recyclable medical packaging database, an initiative that will help healthcare systems reduce contamination risks and improve source segregation. This project, a collaboration between the Robust Recycling team, healthcare staff, recyclers, and regulatory bodies, has the potential to revolutionize plastics recycling in the Canadian healthcare system, setting a new procedure for waste management in this critical sector.

Through these standards and collaborations, we can continue to drive progress in plastics recycling, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable and circular economy for all Canadians.

 

To review the standards:

CAN/BNQ 3840-100/2023: BNQ - Recycled plastic content products

CSA R117:24: Published on Nov 22, 2024. CSA R117:24 | Product | CSA Group

 

 

Written by:

Rose Alipour, MSc

BC Sales Support Manager

Circular Economy Department

Robust Recycling Ltd.

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