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Standards development organization CSA Group has published a new standard designed to provide what it calls “a comprehensive definition of plastics recycling in Canada.”
The new standard, called “CSA R117:24: Plastics Recycling: Definitions, measuring, and reporting”, was developed by Toronto-based CSA Group with support from the Standards Council of Canada, and aims to help policymakers and business leaders understand clearly and consistently when and how much plastic has been fully recycled. It also aims to help standardize the reporting and calculation of recycling rates, targeting all non-biodegradable plastics.
“As Canada works towards a more sustainable future, the urgency to establish a consistent definition for plastics recycling has never been more important,” CSA Group officials said. “Research conducted by [us] highlights a significant knowledge gap among Canadian business leaders – noting that only 36% felt confident in defining plastics recycling, however, an overwhelming 92% agreed that a unified definition would be essential for effective action. The research findings underscore the need for clarity across the entire plastics recycling supply chain.”
“Standards can play a critical role in plastics recycling,” said Michael Leering, director of environment and business excellence at CSA Group. “By establishing a standardized framework and consistent definitions across the various recycling methods, tracking and measuring, the circularity of plastics becomes more clear. In turn, this new National Standard can help support better decision-making across supply chains.”
The new standard was developed using a “consensus-based approach,” CSA Group said, shaped by volunteer members representing various interest groups that included government officials, manufacturers, recyclers, and other industry representatives.
“The transition towards a circular economy is ongoing,” Leering continued. “By defining points where materials can be deemed ‘recycled’, this standard will help guide industry leaders in enhancing the efficiency of recycling reporting.”
Various stakeholders stand to benefit from the new standard, CSA Group said, including policymakers wishing to establish plastics recycling rate targets in legislation, municipalities that report data on the recycling of plastic, waste management companies reporting on their recycling performance, and industries that partake in the plastics supply chain.
To learn more about the new standard, visit the Plastics Recycling page on the CSA Group website.
