Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada

Protecting our planet and its valuable resources

FHCP is a demonstrated leader in advancing Canada towards a circular economy. Government leaders at the federal, provincial, and territorial level have met and continue to meet with our Sustainability Working Group as we engage in numerous ongoing policy discussions and consultations, having defined ourselves as the go-to experts on plastics and packaging.

Our sustainability efforts focus on enhancing interprovincial regulatory alignment and promoting better environmental outcomes. We collaborate closely with other industry associations and strategic partners to help our members achieve their corporate targets and navigate Canada's regulatory environment effectively.

A timeline of leadership

In 2019, we were the first national trade association in Canada to endorse the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's vision for a New Plastics Economy, moving Canada toward a future of zero plastic waste.
In 2021, we co-founded the Canada Plastics Pact, an organization driving collaboration in rethinking how we design, use, and reuse plastic packaging to realize a circular economy in Canada.
In 2021, we pledged the Global Self-Care Federation's Charter for Environmentally Sustainable Self-Care
In 2021, we supported the development of Circular Materials, a not-for-profit Producer Responsibility Organization that will operate across provinces as new Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives are introduced.
In 2022, we received a Canadian Grocer Impact Award for Sustainability in recognition of our contributions to creating a greener grocery industry.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach where producers are financially and operationally responsible for the management of their product packaging for its full life cycle, including after use. EPR incentivizes producers to design products that are easier to recycle or reuse as they bear the cost of their entire lifecycle.

With the implementation or development of full EPR programs in most provinces across Canada, we continue to take an active leadership role in improving interprovincial alignment of regulatory and program design. Successfully implemented EPR programs are essential for driving innovation and supporting a circular economy.

Reenvisioning plastics

FHCP is committed to supporting policies and initiatives that keep plastics in the economy, and out of the environment.

We are closely engaged with federal and provincial governments on regulations focused on plastic and plastic packaging such as single-use plastics, mandatory recycled content thresholds, recyclability and compostability labeling, a national plastics registry, reusable and refillable packaging, and a pollution prevention plan.

These policies directly intersect and rely on the success of provincial EPR programs. Simply put, there cannot be recycled content without effective recycling programs, and you cannot recycle materials that are not recyclable, or that are not captured by recycling programs.

Pharmaceuticals

Through our pledge to the Global Self-Care Federation's Charter for Environmentally Sustainable Self-Care, our work aims to reduce pharmaceuticals in the environment, improve the performance of plastic packaging and eliminate plastic pollution, and lessen our industry's carbon footprint.

Launched in November 2021, the Charter is the first industry-wide climate action resolution issued by the consumer health sector. By promoting best practices and advising on regulatory standards, the Charter seeks to minimize environmental impacts without compromising on health outcomes, product safety, and access to consumers.

Collaboration is key

Sustainability is not a solitary pursuit; it is a collective endeavor that spans beyond sectors, governments, and businesses. Climate change, resource depletion, and pollution do not recognize geographic or political boundaries, and addressing these global challenges requires widespread cooperation.

Collaboration is essential for driving sustainable practices across supply chains. Companies must work together with all involved, from suppliers to distributors to consumers, to ensure sustainability from product design to disposal. FHCP participates on numerous Boards of Directors and advisory committees across the country to advance progressive policies aimed at improving environmental outcomes.

Furthermore, collaboration between businesses, regulators, governments, and NGOs is crucial for the creation and implementation of effective and realistic sustainability policies.

Sustainability