Tue Sep 10 17:07:00 UTC 2024: ## New Certification Promotes Recycled Plastic Use in Canada

**QUÉBEC, Sept. 10, 2024** – The Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) has launched a new certification program for companies in the plastic industry, aiming to increase the use of recycled plastic content in products. The certification, based on the Canadian standard CAN/BNQ 3840-100 Recycled Plastic Content Products, ensures that manufacturers accurately report the amount of recycled plastic used in their products, promoting transparency and accountability.

This initiative comes amidst growing concern over plastic waste and the need for more sustainable solutions. The certification program addresses a key issue: the lack of clear and standardized methods for measuring and reporting recycled content, which has hindered progress in promoting recycled plastic use.

“The BNQ is proud to contribute to the value chain of the plastic industry with this National standard of Canada,” said Isabelle Landry, Principal Director at the BNQ. “This certification will promote the development and maintenance of new opportunities for these materials otherwise destined for disposal.”

The new certification is open to companies whose products contain at least 5% recycled plastic, regardless of whether the material is pre- or post-consumer. It also covers various plastic processing techniques, including shredding, grinding, injection molding, and extrusion.

The certification program has received support from various stakeholders, including the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). The initiative is also aligned with Canada’s Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste, which aims to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy for plastics.

“This is an important step in the right direction and supports stronger and more reliable end markets for recycled plastics,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Pierre Bilodeau, Vice-President, Standardization Services at the SCC, highlighted the significance of the certification in fostering a more transparent and robust market for recycled plastics. He said, “It is a positive step toward a more robust and transparent market for recycled plastics—helping us keep more plastics in the economy, and out of the environment.”

Companies seeking the certification will need to comply with the requirements outlined in the CAN/BNQ 3840-100 standard and the BNQ 3840-900 protocol, both of which are available on the BNQ website.

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