Canada’s Single-Use Plastic Bans
How this legislation affects your business
Canada’s federally legislated single-use plastic (SUP) bans are now fully in effect, supporting the government’s goal of zero plastic waste by 2030. The regulations target six categories of single-use plastics and were implemented in phases, with manufacturing and imports banned starting in 2022, sales prohibited by the end of 2023, and final measures completed in 2024. Legal challenges delayed and led to certain changes to the ban but as of 2026, all sales of single use plastics are prohibited nationally.
With the transition period now over, businesses that previously relied on these products have had to shift to compliant alternatives. While availability has stabilized compared to earlier phases, many companies still face challenges navigating the wide range of options and understanding which solutions best meet their operational and sustainability needs.
Many companies want to provide environmentally preferable options, but the reality is that switching from certain single-use plastics to alternative foodservice ware can come with added costs. Simply choosing the lowest-cost option may not deliver the best outcome for your business or your customers.
Does your area support proper disposal?
As you consider the most suitable alternatives for your business, one of the most important questions remains: “What happens to this product after use?” The answer depends on factors such as material type, local recycling and composting infrastructure, and how well the product fits within a circular economy. This is often referred to as a product’s “End-of-Life” journey and should be a key consideration in your decision-making.
For example, some products are labelled compostable, but that doesn’t mean they can break down in a backyard compost. Many require commercial or industrial composting facilities with specific conditions. Not all regions in Canada have access to these facilities, meaning these products may still end up in landfill if the proper infrastructure is not available.
Bunzl Canada has developed a Sustainable Packaging Selection Guide to help cut through the confusion and provide the information needed to make informed decisions about alternative materials. Click here to download your copy of the Sustainable Packaging Selection Guide.
Poor package performance = Poor Brand Perception
With any packaging product, performance, quality, and value remain critical. You need to be confident that your packaging performs the way both you and your customers expect.
For example, a customer picking up phở from their favourite Vietnamese restaurant may appreciate a shift away from Styrofoam to more sustainable packaging. However, if that packaging leaks or fails during transport, the negative experience reflects on the business, not just the product.
As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. The right alternative may come at a premium, but it plays a key role in protecting your brand and customer experience.
Bunzl Canada continues to expand its range of cost-conscious alternative packaging solutions to help businesses remain compliant and competitive. We encourage you to connect with your Bunzl representative to explore available options, find the best fit-for-purpose solutions, and secure reliable supply.