Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), in collaboration with partners Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) and Friendlier, announces the launch of two Accelerator Projects to scale reuse /refill solutions in Ontario to tackle single-use plastic waste.
The CPP?s Reuse Accelerator Pods, an initiative partially funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada, will support the scaling of two proven reuse/refill applications and address knowledge and infrastructure gaps that are hindering scaling returnable or refillable packaging systems in Canada. The CPP put out a call to its Partners earlier this year seeking applications for proven reuse/refill initiatives. After a rigorous selection process based on reducing plastics usage, project viability, and the ability to track and measure results, CTC and Friendlier were selected. Bulk Dispenser Alternatives for Windshield Washer Fluid: In a continued effort to significantly reduce plastic usage while enhancing the customer experience, CTC is partnering with CPP and EcoTank to further the impact of its ongoing windshield-washer fluid dispenser initiative. The source reduction initiative will aim to effectively decrease the use of single-use windshield wiper jugs, which previously accounted for more than 6 million units of plastic annually or 800,000kg of HDPE plastic. With the support of CPP?s Reuse Accelerator Pods, CTC will add another 20+ dispensers to Canadian Tire Gas+ gas bars in Ontario and Quebec in the coming months. Friendlier is leading a drive to transform packaging practices at Southern Ontario's university and college campuses with food service partners such as Compass Group Canada and Aramark Canada. Their focus on scaling reusable packaging programs has already diverted over 81,000kg of plastic waste through the reuse of 1.6 million packages. With a significant 20% market share in university campuses, Friendlier is uniquely positioned to drive behaviour change and eliminate the need for unnecessary single-use packaging. Their goal is to convert 50% of Southern Ontario's university and college campuses to embrace reusable packaging.