How Single Use Plastic Bans in Canada Affect Your Business
To reduce plastic pollution, the Government of Canada introduced a ban on the manufacture, import, and sale of six single-use plastic categories, including checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws.
These prohibitions were rolled out in phases, with manufacturing and imports banned starting in 2022, sales banned by the end of 2023, and final measures completed in 2024.
As of 2026, the ban is fully in effect and legally upheld, following a Federal court challenge, meaning these products are no longer permitted for sale in Canada. While businesses can still manufacture for export, companies operating domestically must ensure they are using compliant alternatives moving forward.
