For the first time in Canada, five producer responsibility organizations are collaborating to develop harmonized ecodesign guidelines that will help improve the recyclability of packaging and paper products across the country.
Circular Materials, Éco Entreprises Québec, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba, SK Recycles and Recycle BC are coordinating a national framework to support producers as they design more recyclable materials for Canada’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs. The initiative was announced on November 17.
With EPR regulations expanding across several provinces and territories, the groups say the common guidelines will simplify compliance, improve material recovery rates and better align packaging formats with existing and emerging recycling infrastructure.
The national framework will build on the ecodesign and recyclability guidelines developed by Éco Entreprises Québec, which were launched in 2024 and updated in 2025. The harmonized approach focuses on three key design pillars: reducing unnecessary packaging, increasing the use of responsible materials and prioritizing recyclability.
“This collaboration will lay the groundwork for a national approach that will better support the recycling of packaging and paper across the Canadian marketplace,” said a joint statement from the organizations. “Ultimately, it will enhance environmental performance and build a more circular economy.”
Supporting a circular system
The groups say ecodesign can play a critical role in improving recycling performance by ensuring packaging is compatible with sorting and processing technologies. They expect the guidelines to help simplify compliance for producers who operate in multiple jurisdictions.
Harmonization work has progressed rapidly since 2024, when Éco Entreprises Québec released its first set of guidelines. Those guidelines were endorsed by four additional producer responsibility organizations in 2025. The national version is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.
Circular Materials CEO Allen Langdon said the initiative reflects the growing importance of design in advancing Canada’s recycling system, while leaders from ÉEQ, Multi-Material Stewardship Manitoba and Recycle BC emphasized the potential benefits for innovation, sustainability and the circular economy.
Source: Circular Materials
