The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of improved recyclability and actual recycling.
Available Courses of Action
- Apply GDR #6: Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging (Follow Canadian Guidance), and/or
- Apply GDR #2: Remove Problematic Elements from Packaging, and/or
- Apply GDR #9: Use on-packaging recycling instructions to guide consumers in the proper disposal after use.
Action 1 – Apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) # 6: Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging (follow Canadian Guidance)
In choosing to apply Golden Design Rule (GDR) #6 – Increase Recycling Value in Flexible Consumer Packaging – the change in packaging design, composition or construction is primarily achieved thru one of more of the following:
- Conversion from mixed material to mono-material structures
- Adopting barrier layers that don’t limit package recyclability
The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#6 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.
Use Cases
| Use Case | Innovation | Application | Release to Market |
| Axipolymer | Grinloop Barrier Innovation – adopting barrier layers that don’t limit package recyclability | Various | 2023 |
| Tempo Packaging | Mono Material Stand-Up Pouch | Nuts | 2022 |
Action 2 – Apply GDR #3: Eliminate excess headspace for all flexible packaging
By adoption GDR #3 – eliminate excess headspace for flexible packaging – the mass and volume of packaging is reduced, resulting in reduced material usage, ensuing waste production, as well as potential gains in shipping efficiency.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#3 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.
Use Cases
TBC
Action 3 – Apply GDR #4: Reduce plastic overwraps
The reduction or elimination of plastics overwraps can significantly reduce the mass of packaging. Although operational or logistical consideration can limit the implementation, it is an important approach to consider in an overall sustainability strategy.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#4 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.
Use Cases
TBC
Action 4 – Apply GDR#2: Remove problematic elements from packaging
Unfortunately, there are many scenarios where the use of problematic elements can render otherwise recyclable packaging incompatible with current and emerging recycling systems. Although the bulk of a package’s composition may be recyclable (i.e., mono-material construction using recyclable resins), problematic elements such as enclosures, handles or other components may hinder recyclability. This is due in large part to the use of non-recyclable elements which in many cases cannot be easily separated from recyclable elements. Removal of these problematic elements can result in more recyclable forms of packaging.
The following use case(s) provide examples of where GDR#2 has been demonstrated for flexible packaging.
Use Cases
TBC
Supporting Resources
Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions.
General Information
Guiding Documentation
- Canada Plastics Pact GDR for Canada Guide
- Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) Design Recognition Program
Industry Training