Thanks to federal funding of $376,200, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is undertaking a national pilot project that explores effective ways for industry to migrate to using sustainable packaging design and material options that enhance recyclability or compostability. The funds are being used to develop a strategy and enable steps towards the migration.

The project will help industry better understand and characterize the food and produce packaging system in Canada, assess the impacts of various packaging options and create a deployment plan. Key stakeholders including manufacturers, packaging producers, retailers and recycling facilities will be engaged in the development of viable sustainable packaging options.

During remarks at CPMA's Annual Convention and Trade Show, which brought together 3,000 participants from all segments of the produce supply chain, Agriculture Minister Bibeau thanked the industry for their continued efforts to transition to sustainable packaging and reduce waste, while highlighting federal investments to support agricultural clean technologies and practices.

Source:  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada April 6, 2022 news release