Retailers are embedding sustainability best practices throughout their operations. Tackling everything from responsible global supply chain sourcing, efficient recycling, elimination of problematic plastics and significant energy consumption reduction, retailers are committed to acting proactively and collaboratively.
Retail Council of Canada works with retailers and sustainability experts to provide information concerning emerging issues and opportunities.
Key Issues
Plastics and Alternatives
Recent Updates Plastic packaging and single-use items in retail Retailers are actively working to make supply chains and packaging more sustainable, including a shift away…
Climate Action and Carbon Management
Recent Updates Canada’s plan to reach net-zero The measures announced in Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, at the UN climate change conference…
ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)
Recent ESG Updates Tools and resources Overview of ESG ratings and rankings There is growing interest from investors, regulators, employees and customers on corporate ESG…
Sustainability News
Legal Storm Brews Over Misleading Eco-Labels →
Attention retailers who sell products that contain or are packaged with plastics, including…
Federal Plastics Registry Mandate Released →
Attention retailers, quick service restaurants adapting to sustainability regulations:…
RCC and Global Leaders Converge in Ottawa to Forge Historic Pact Against Plastic Pollution →
Attention retailers who sell products that contain or are packaged in plastic: This week, Ottawa…
Nova Scotia’s PPP Program – Essential Dates for RCC Obligated Producers →
Circular Materials (CM), the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for PPP, has conducted a…
Sustainability Resources
Stewardship and recycling 101 →
Stewardship Programs of Canada Database →
Shopping bag and single-use plastic regulations across Canada →
Regional sustainability wins →
Climate Action and Carbon Management →
Grants & Incentives: Energy & Transportation →
Considerations when selecting a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) →
Packaging considerations and material alternatives →
Committees
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) / Stewardship Committee (bi-weekly meetings)
The EPR/Stewardship Committee is actively engaged in advocacy efforts around extended producer responsibility and supports members with program compliance for the various recycling and stewardship programs across Canada. The committee reviews proposed regulatory changes to ensure industry’s need and concerns are front-and-center while supporting RCC volunteers and staff who sit on stakeholder and advisory/consultative bodies. Beyond this, the committee guides RCC staff in the development and presentation of RCC positions to provincial and federal governments. Join this committee.
Plastics Committee (monthly meetings)
The Plastics Committee is actively engaged in monitoring single-use plastics bans across the country to support member compliance while exploring packaging and material alternatives (e.g., reusable options, compostables, etc.). The committee also focuses on best practice sharing for a range of topics, including eco-design, recycled content, and improved vendor/customer communications. Committee members help advise RCC volunteers and staff who sit on stakeholder and advisory/consultative bodies and guide RCC staff in the development and presentation of RCC positions on plastics issues to all levels of government. Join this committee.
ESG & Climate Action Committee (bi-monthly meetings)
Governments around the world, including Canada’s federal government, are participating in global efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C. Moreover, ESG reporting frameworks and rating agencies have emerged as an important area for corporates to both monitor and inform. This committee is looking to help facilitate best practice sharing, monitor policies/trends, explore collaborative opportunities and develop related resources. Join this committee
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