Category: Uncategorized
57,000 Rolls Strong: National Toilet Paper Day Drives Hygiene Equity
Bunzl partners with Food Banks Canada to support communities in need
BURLINGTON, Ontario, Aug.26, 2025 – Bunzl Canada today announced its annual National Toilet Paper Day initiative, in partnership with Food Banks Canada. The national distributor provided over 57,000 rolls of toilet paper for distribution to food banks across the country, increasing access to this essential hygiene product for those in need.
As the cost of living continues to rise, hygiene poverty is a growing issue for thousands of Canadian families. Canada’s first hygiene poverty survey, conducted in January of 2025, received input from staff of community facilities like schools, food banks, and shelters. 81% of respondents highlighted that clients suffering from hygiene poverty had to make the choice between food/shelter and hygiene products within the last year. 72% of respondents highlighted financial insecurity as the leading cause of hygiene poverty.
“It’s hard for many of us to imagine having to choose between food and essential hygiene supplies like toilet paper,” said Margo Hunnisett, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Bunzl Canada. “But for many Canadian families, it’s an unfortunate reality. That’s why it’s so important we draw attention to this critical need and do our part to help fewer families have to make that difficult choice.”
Bunzl donated REGARD® and DuraPlus® brand toilet tissue, paired with donations from their vendor partners Cascades, Sunset, Essity, Kimbery Clark Professional, and Kruger. The collective donation will be distributed by Food Banks Canada to local food banks across the country.
“We’re proud to once again collaborate with Food Banks Canada and our generous vendor partners to support National Toilet Paper Day,” said John Howlett, President of Bunzl Canada. “It’s an important way we can help to draw attention to hygiene poverty, while providing critical support for people in need in communities across Canada.”
Food Banks Canada’s proven success in executing transformative projects, paired with Bunzl Canada’s commitment to community sustainability and relationships with leading paper product vendors, makes this annual collaboration a natural fit. Together, they aim to deliver essential hygiene products to Canadian families in need, helping them redirect resources towards food and other vital needs.
“Every day, people across the country are forced to make heartbreaking decisions about whether to eat, pay rent, or go without another basic necessity,” shared Erin Filey-Wronecki, Chief Development and Partnerships Officer, Food Banks Canada. “With more than two million people in Canada turning to food banks every month, the need for support has never been more urgent. We are so grateful to Bunzl and their vendor partners for their incredible generosity. By providing hygiene products to people in need, they are easing the burden of essential household costs, allowing families to redirect those savings toward food and other critical items.”
For more information on how individuals and businesses can help reduce food insecurity, hygiene poverty, and contribute items of greatest need, please contact your local food bank or visit foodbankscanada.ca. For more information about Bunzl Canada and its BUNZL FOR BETTER initiative, visit bunzlcanada.ca/Bunzl-For-Better.
Bunzl Helps Employers with Washroom Hygiene Legislation Compliance
Exclusive CleanWatch™ platform launched ahead of Ontario’s Bill 190 July 1, 2025 Deadline
Burlington, Ontario, May 28, 2025 – In response to Ontario’s Bill 190, which introduced stricter washroom hygiene standards effective July 1, 2025, Bunzl Canada introduced CleanWatch™, a cost-effective, simplified version of the platform designed to help employers comply with the new rules while improving cleanliness, safety and employee experience.
Introduced in Ontario in 2024, Bill 190, also known as the Working for Workers Five Act, amended several employment‑related statutes, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA). As of July 1, 2025, constructors and employers are required to ensure washroom facilities provided for workers are kept in a clean and sanitary condition and that cleaning records are maintained. As of January 1, 2026, those records must also be easily accessible to workers.
The CleanWatch™ Solution
CleanWatch™ is a cutting-edge cleaning management software which transitions facilities from traditional, reactive cleaning methods to a proactive, data-driven approach. The new, simplified CleanWatch™ application enables employers to easily record washroom cleaning activities and make the information conveniently accessible via QR code, so that compliance with Bill 190 legislation is both straightforward and cost effective.
Compliance Made Easy
CleanWatch™ simplifies adherence to the legislative requirements by providing real-time monitoring and detailed reporting on washroom cleaning, ensuring that employers can quickly and easily meet the new standards.
“Bunzl is here to support Ontario businesses in achieving seamless compliance with minimal disruption,” said Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene’s Sr. Vice President, Brock Tully. “By adopting this innovative solution, employers can not only meet the new legislative requirements but also exceed them, setting a new standard for workplace hygiene and employee safety.”
Bunzl Canada remains committed to providing solutions that improve facility hygiene, operational efficiency, and workplace safety across Ontario and beyond.
Click here to learn more about CleanWatch™
Bunzl Canada A Certified Great Place to Work
Employee Trust Index establishes Bunzl Canada as an exceptional Canadian workplace
BURLINGTON, ON – December 18, 2024 – Bunzl Canada is excited to announce that it has been awarded the Great Place to WorkTM certification, recognizing employers who exceed standards of employee satisfaction compared to typical Canadian workplaces. Bunzl Canada has successfully cultivated a vibrant workplace, buzzing with opportunities for learning, supportive camaraderie, and a team-based approach to growth and success that it attributes to its focus on talent development, diversity and culture-building.
Great Place to Work CertificationTM showcases employers who create an outstanding employee experience and a positive, inclusive workplace culture. Certification includes the Trust Index™ Employee Survey which provides an in-depth analysis of the company’s culture strengths and opportunities through candid employee feedback about the business’ work culture. This indicates the level of trust that employees have with leadership, and their overall satisfaction with working at Bunzl and their team.
“We have worked hard in all of our businesses in Canada to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and shares our commitment to delivering service excellence for our customers,” said Bunzl Canada’s President, John Howlett. “That includes investing significant time and effort into improving what we do, how we do it and how we communicate with our employees.”
Bunzl Canada’s approach to putting its people first reflects the values of the Bunzl organization globally, particularly the belief that motivated people result in happy customers.
Great Place to Work Certification™ is an accreditation that demonstrates a company is an employer of choice while helping them become an even better workplace through the second step in the process: reporting, analysis and identification of continuous improvement opportunities. The program is aligned with Bunzl’s global investments in talent development, employee health and wellness, diversity, equity and inclusion, and sustainability programs in North America and around the world.
“Creating a welcoming and supportive workplace culture is a top priority for Bunzl Canada. We are thrilled that our employees’ feedback confirms we’ve been successful in doing that,” said Jenny Lawson, Director, Human Resources.
Bunzl Canada continues to improve its ability to create value for customers through a skilled and highly engaged workforce. A wide range of initiatives have been implemented to advance the company’s position as an employer of choice, including a new employee communication program, the introduction of several new employee training programs and development events, and its employee and company-driven social sustainability initiative, BUNZL FOR BETTER.
“It’s the dedication, commitment, and the exceptional work our people deliver each and every day for our customers that make Bunzl so successful,” said Howlett. “There is nothing more important to me then to ensure we continue the great work we’ve been doing, building a positive, inclusive workplace culture, embracing diversity, recognizing and supporting individual potential, and celebrating and rewarding success.”
Bunzl Canada’s 2024 Week of Giving Brings Vital Community Support
National donations help local food banks assist vulnerable community residents
Burlington, ON – December 10, 2024 – Bunzl Canada is pleased to announce its 2024 Week of Giving, in partnership with Food Banks Canada, to provide essential personal care, hygiene and safety products to foodbanks across the country.
The annual event is even more critical this year in supporting local food banks as they struggle to meet the combined challenges of increasing costs, decreasing donations and a massive increase in demand.
This week, Bunzl Canada’s Cleaning & Hygiene and R3 Redistribution businesses delivered 8 pallets of non-food essentials including toilet and tissue products, hand soap and sanitizer and household cleaning supplies to Food Banks Canada distribution centres across Canada. While these products are critical to keeping families healthy during the winter cold and flu season, for many Canadians in need, the expense of these items can be a choice between health and personal hygiene or putting food on the table.
“Sadly, in 2024 many Canadians continue to struggle to make ends meet. More and more are relying on the incredible work done by their local food banks, and the generosity of people in their communities who donate,” said John Howlett, President of Bunzl Canada. “The annual Bunzl Week of Giving is part of our BUNZL FOR BETTER initiative, a reflection of our culture, our values and our dedication to giving back to our communities – values that we know are a common thread among our employees and our customers.”
Bunzl Canada is an enthusiastic participant in a wide range of other community events across the country. This year, the company continued its partnership with Food Banks Canada through financial and food donations, and collaborated with its vendor partners Cascades, Sunset, Kruger, Essity (Tork), and Kimberly-Clark Professional to donate more than 67,000 rolls of toilet tissue and other paper products in support of National Toilet Paper Day.
“Bunzl Canada is made up of local businesses with longstanding roots in their communities,” said Margo Hunnisett, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “This event highlights our commitment to maintaining those local relationships and supporting the health of our communities across the country.”
Bunzl’s 2024 National Toilet Paper Donation Campaign is on a Roll
National distributor partners with industry-leading manufacturers and Food Banks Canada for National Toilet Paper Day
Burlington, ON – August 26, 2024 – Bunzl Canada is proud to announce another BUNZL FOR BETTER initiative marking National Toilet Paper Day. Continuing its partnership with Food Banks Canada, the industry-leading national distributor will make a delivery of over 67,000 rolls of toilet tissue for food banks in communities across the country. This collaboration aims to highlight and address a critical need for personal hygiene products and other non-food essentials that many Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast struggle to afford.
“Toilet paper is a basic necessity that, sadly, for some families and individuals can be a challenge to obtain,” said Margo Hunnisett, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Bunzl Canada. “That’s why it’s so important to both draw attention to this critical need, and to help address it through our own donations and those of our vendor partners.” Bunzl donated REGARD® and DuraPlus® brand toilet tissue along with product donated by its industry-leading vendor partners, Cascades, Sunset, Kruger, Essity (Tork), and Kimberly-Clark Professional. The collective donation will be distributed by Food Banks Canada to local food banks across the country.
“We’re proud to collaborate once again with Food Banks Canada and our generous vendor partners to support National Toilet Paper Day and help to ensure the supply of this essential product to families and individuals in need. It’s a small but significant way we can support the well-being of the most vulnerable in our communities nationwide, and that’s what BUNZL FOR BETTER is all about,” said John Howlett, President of Bunzl Canada.
Food Banks Canada’s track record in implementing transformative projects combines with Bunzl Canada’s commitment to community sustainability, national distribution network, and long-standing relationships with leading paper products manufacturers. It’s a natural partnership for this endeavour, providing hygiene products to Canadians in need and putting families in a better position to purchase food and other essentials.
“So many families across Canada are forced to make difficult decisions between purchasing essential household items, including toilet paper, and buying food,” shared Erin Filey-Wronecki, Chief Development and Partnerships Officer,Food Banks Canada. “Thank you to Bunzl and its vendor partners; through this donation, we can provide necessary hygiene products to our neighbours who need them most. Supporting this need alleviates some of the stress that so many people have when trying to purchase essential household items.”
For more information on how individuals and businesses can help reduce food insecurity and contribute items of greatest need, please contact your local food bank or visit foodbankscanada.ca. For more information about Bunzl Canada and its BUNZL FOR BETTER initiative, visit bunzlcanada.ca/Bunzl-For-Better.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 5,100 food banks and community organizations come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who in March of last year made nearly two million visits to these organizations, according to our 2023 HungerCount Report. Over the past 10 years, as a system we’ve sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared nearly $168 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit foodbankscanada.ca to learn more.
Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Raises Bar with CIMS Expert Certification
Burlington, ON – August 21st, 2024 – Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene today announced its investment in attaining the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Expert certification for all its sales professionals. CIMS is the foremost recognized standard for excellence in the industry and this significant milestone further solidifies Bunzl’s position as a leader in cleaning and hygiene.
CIMS-Advanced by GBAC is a comprehensive certification that sets the framework for cleaning service providers to develop and implement a quality, customer-centred approach to cleaning program and facility management. It is the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the globally accepted characteristics necessary for a successful cleaning organization.
“With CIMS Expert certification, Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene has gained a distinct competitive advantage by empowering their account executives, managers and sales representatives to better support their customers,” says Brant Insero, Chief Global Education Officer of ISSA. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene as they continue to be an industry leader in changing the way the world views cleaning.”
CIMS certification requires teams to meet a list of criteria across key areas including quality systems, service delivery, and health and safety. This certification equips Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene sales professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to help professional cleaning teams meet, exceed and maintain the cleaning standards set to protect the wellbeing of facilities and their occupants.
Bunzl is confident that the expertise gained through this certification will allow their experienced sales professionals to help customers achieve even higher levels of cleanliness and building occupant satisfaction.
“We’re excited about our investment in CIMS Expert certification because of the value it brings to our customers,” says Brock Tully, Senior Vice President of Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene. “With the amount of information available, it can be overwhelming for them to try to find the right answers. The tools and knowledge granted through this certification allow our sales professionals to be the source of truth for all our customers’ cleaning and hygiene needs.”
For more information about Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene, visit bunzlch.ca.
Visit cims.issa.com/certification-overview/ to learn more about CIMS Certification.
Bunzl Accelerates Sustainability with Electric Vehicles
Burlington, ON – August 1, 2024 – Bunzl Canada (bunzlcanada.ca) announced today the company’s first electric-powered transport truck for Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene’s delivery routes in Toronto. The vehicle will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but will also reduce engine noise.
The new delivery truck was designed and manufactured by The Lion Electric Company, a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The lightweight, aerodynamic, 100% electric heavy-duty model is perfectly suited for last-mile urban delivery.
“We selected the Lion 6 specifically for its efficiency, sustainability, and exceptional handling in urban settings” said Tim McKinnon, Vice President, Operations at Bunzl Canada. “This new technology will reduce emissions on some of our busiest routes in the Greater Toronto Area.”
Sustainability continues to be a key corporate focus for Bunzl Canada in both its operations and the products it supplies. The company will also soon introduce electric vehicles on its urban delivery routes in Vancouver.
“This is just one of many high priority initiatives designed to reduce our company’s environmental footprint, and help our customers do the same,” said Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene’s Sr. Vice President, Brock Tully. “From LED lighting retrofits in our facilities across the country to new product innovations, we continue to source environmentally preferable alternatives and technology through strategic partnerships in Canada and around the world.”
Driving for a Cure – Bunzl Raises Over $1.9M for Pediatric Brain Tumour Research
Burlington, ON – July 16, 2024 – Bunzl Canada announced it has hosted its 24th annual Ripple of Hope golf tournament in support of the Arthur & Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.
On July 9th, Bunzl Canada, its vendor partners, and its cleaning and hygiene, safety, industrial, grocery/retail/processor business customers gathered at Greystone Golf Club in Milton, Ontario. Participants enjoyed a day of fiesta-themed golf as they fundraised and increased awareness for Toronto SickKids’ advanced pediatric brain tumour research initiatives.
Over the last two decades, Bunzl Canada and its supporters have raised over $1.81 million to fund the revolutionary work at SickKids Hospital to combat life-threatening pediatric neurosurgical conditions. This year’s 24th annual tournament surpassed over $100,000 in donations alone.
Distinguished as the world’s largest research centre for brain tumour research, the team at Toronto’s SickKids Hospital, led by Dr. James Rutka, has led to the discovery and development of MRI-guided focused ultrasound technology to treat children with brain tumours. This revolutionary breakthrough offers a less intrusive way to deliver targeted chemotherapy to aggressive and terminal Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) pediatric brain tumour.
Since the last annual fundraising event, Dr. Rutka and his team, in partnership with the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, received approval for and began a world-first clinical trial with the newly developed MRI-guided technology. They’ve recently opened the trial to their colleagues in the United States.
“All centres are now entering patients into this study. Four patients have been treated, and each patient has gone through their therapies without any issues, side effects, challenges, and complications,” said Dr. Rutka. “As this is a safety and feasibility study, which means we’re determining whether opening the blood-brain barrier with MRI-guided focused ultrasound is safe, we’ve proven already that it is.”
MRI-guided focused ultrasound technology allows doctors to bypass the blood-brain barrier and directly target aggressive tumours within the brain stem. Dr. Rutka and the research team at Toronto’s SickKids Hospital plan to use immune-based therapy to achieve longer impacts of the therapy.
“We know that the impact of those agents [through immune-based therapy] will be longer after each drug administration than a single chemotherapeutic can be,” said Dr. Rutka.
“Canadians should be proud that we’re offering this for the first time in the world for children who have this devastating disease,” said Dr. Rutka. “The technology was funded through the Bunzl Golf Tournament, and we’re seeing a tangible impact now of how we can approach this devastating disease.”
“We want to thank all our valued customers and vendors for their contributions towards this life-saving research,” said John Howlett, Bunzl Canada’s President. “Dr. Rutka and his team at SickKids Hospital continue to pioneer groundbreaking treatments for children battling this devastating disease, and we’re excited to continue to support them in such important work.”
