How to Comply with Canada's Single-Use Plastics Ban for Packaging

Understanding Canada's Single-Use Plastics Ban

Canada's Single-Use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) came into force in June 2022, with a phased implementation that now affects packaging manufacturers and importers. As of December 2023, the sale of specified single-use plastic items is prohibited, including checkout bags, cutlery, stir sticks, straws, and ring carriers. But here's what many miss: the ban also covers compostable plastics that are not designed for industrial composting facilities. If you're supplying bagasse clamshells or PLA-coated paper bowls, you need to understand exactly where the line is drawn.

Our factory has been navigating these regulations since the initial discussion paper in 2020. We've seen clients scramble to replace plastic-lined paper cups with PLA-lined versions, only to discover that PLA doesn't automatically qualify as compliant. The key distinction: the ban targets 'plastic manufactured items'—and plastic includes any polymer, whether bio-based or petroleum-based, unless it meets specific compostability standards.

What Packaging Is Banned vs. Exempted?

The ban covers six categories of single-use plastics, but packaging falls under a broader umbrella. Here's the breakdown:

• Banned: Plastic checkout bags, cutlery, stir sticks, straws, ring carriers, and foodservice ware made from problematic plastics (including compostable plastics that don't meet ASTM D6400 or EN13432).
• Exempted: Items made entirely from compostable materials certified to Canadian standards (CAN/BNQ 0017-088 or ASTM D6400 for industrial composting). Also exempt: packaging that is not single-use (e.g., reusable containers) and certain medical or scientific uses.

But wait—there's a common misconception. Many assume that 'biodegradable' or 'compostable' labels automatically exempt a product. They don't. The regulations require third-party certification to specific standards. A PLA fork that degrades only in industrial composters is still a plastic item under the law if it lacks proper certification. We've seen importers get fined because their 'compostable' cutlery came from a supplier that didn't have valid BPI certification.

Key Certifications You Need for Compliance

To sell compostable packaging in Canada, you need one of these certifications:

• ASTM D6400 (US standard for compostable plastics) or EN 13432 (European standard). Both require 90% biodegradation within 180 days in industrial composting conditions.
• CAN/BNQ 0017-088 – the Canadian-specific standard, which is similar but includes additional testing for ecotoxicity.
• BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification is widely accepted, as it certifies to ASTM D6400.

For bagasse and kraft paper products, the situation is simpler. These are naturally compostable and don't need plastic certification. However, if your bagasse bowl has a PLA lining, the entire item must meet compostability standards. We recommend sourcing bagasse products with water-based coatings or no lining to avoid complications.

Real Cost Impact of Certification

Getting certified isn't cheap. Testing for ASTM D6400 costs around $15,000–$25,000 per material formulation, with annual renewal fees. For a small importer, that might eat into margins. But consider the alternative: non-compliant products can be seized, and fines up to $50,000 per violation apply. Our factory invested in BPI certification for our PLA line in 2021, and it has opened doors with major Canadian retailers like Loblaws and Sobeys.

Comparing Compostable Materials: Bagasse vs. PLA vs. Kraft Paper

Here's a quick comparison table for common food packaging materials under the ban:

Note: PLA is cheaper per piece but has lower heat tolerance. Bagasse is more robust but costs more. For hot soup containers, bagasse is the better bet. For cold drinks, PLA cups work fine—if certified.

3 Practical Steps to Ensure Compliance

1. Audit your supply chain. Request certificates from every supplier. Check that the certification covers the exact product formulation. We once had a client whose PLA supplier had BPI certification for resin, but not for the final cup—the additive package changed the compostability. Don't assume.
2. Update your labeling. Under Canada's Competition Bureau guidelines, you must clearly state 'compostable' only if the item is certified. Avoid vague terms like 'biodegradable' or 'eco-friendly'. Use the BPI or TUV logo with proper wording.
3. Plan for industrial composting infrastructure. Most municipal composting facilities in Canada accept certified compostable packaging. But check with your local region—some only take bagasse and paper, not PLA. You may need to educate your customers about proper disposal.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

One trap we see repeatedly: assuming that 'made from plants' equals exempt. PLA is made from corn, but it's still a plastic polymer. Without certification, it's banned. Another pitfall: using oxo-degradable plastics. These are not allowed under any exemption because they fragment into microplastics. Stick to certified compostable or natural fiber materials.

Also, beware of 'compostable' claims on imported goods. We tested a batch of 'bagasse' bowls from a new supplier that turned out to be 30% polypropylene. They looked like bagasse but failed the compostability test. Always do spot checks.

FAQ: Common Questions About Canada's Ban

Is PLA banned in Canada?

Not if it's certified compostable to ASTM D6400 or EN13432. Uncertified PLA is banned. So yes, many PLA products are non-compliant.

Do I need certification for bagasse or kraft paper?

No, because they are not plastics. But if they have a plastic coating (even biodegradable), the coating must be certified. Pure bagasse or uncoated kraft paper is fine.

Can I sell my existing plastic packaging stock after the ban?

No. As of December 2023, the sale of prohibited items is illegal. You cannot sell old inventory. However, you may be able to export it outside Canada.

Future-Proofing Your Packaging Strategy

The ban is just the beginning. Canada is also developing a Federal Plastics Registry requiring annual reporting on plastic packaging production and disposal. By 2025, extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs will likely cover packaging. Start transitioning now. Our factory recommends a dual approach: use bagasse or kraft paper for dry and hot items, and certified PLA only for cold applications where you have confirmed composting access. This reduces cost and risk.

Remember: compliance isn't just about avoiding fines. It's about meeting buyer expectations. Major Canadian retailers now mandate compostable packaging. By getting ahead, you'll win contracts and build trust.