Decoding Canada’s Plastic Regulations for Foodservice Businesses
Restaurants Canada understands that single-use plastic regulations can be daunting and difficult to navigate. This guide will help…
The foodservice industry is working toward more sustainable outcomes that are good for business and the environment.
A complex, fragmented policy landscape is evolving around key sustainability issues for the foodservice industry. With increasing cost pressures on the industry, layering additional taxes and policies on waste recovery and materials sourcing is making it difficult for food service establishments to maintain profitability. At Restaurants Canada, we are advocating for harmonized policies that support a thriving foodservice industry while achieving evidence-based environmental outcomes.
Sustainability 
Fast Fact 1
80% of operators believe environmental sustainability is an important part of their success.
Fast Fact 2
Investment in infrastructure to support the circularity of fiber packaging could unlock significant opportunities to reduce plastic use across the restaurants industry.
Fast Fact 3
Amidst public concerns surrounding food waste and associated emissions, the management of food waste (e.g. composting, donations, etc.) is expected to be an area of focus for future regulations.
How more harmonized legislation impacts our members
Today, there is a patchwork of legislation across Canada, which is creating significant operational complexity for our members, spanning from operationalizing bylaw mandates to scaling sustainable solutions and managing costs, particularly amid current inflationary pressures. Restaurants Canada is advocating for great consistency and clarity on evolving waste collection and single use/reuse policy to help members adhere to these policies in the most efficient and cost effective ways possible.
Our Recommendations
Recommendation 1
Restaurants Canada shares the government’s commitment to creating a circular economy in Canada and is committed to supporting practical and effective solutions that drive the best environmental and economic outcomes across Canada. These solutions must be evidence-based, rooted in the latest data and science, and reflect the on-the-ground reality of how consumers purchase and interact with restaurants.
Recommendation 2
As the Government of Canada pursues its zero plastic waste agenda by 2030 and international sustainability commitments, Restaurants Canada asks that the government empower businesses to take part in a circular economy that considers the full spectrum of packaging solutions and strategies, including recycling, composting, and reuse-refill with an adjacent focus on recycling infrastructure. This diversified approach will allow all types of restaurants (whether quick service or full service) as well as modes of interaction (such as drive-thru, digital, delivery, counter or table service) to be a part the solution and ensure equity and accessibility across the country for both businesses and consumers.
Related Resources
Single-Use Items Reduction Strategy Guide
This guide provides information to support the development of a single-use item reduction strategy for your business. It…
