Canada's new plastic recycling standard CSA R117:24

        On November 26, 2024, Toronto-based CSA Group announced the release of a new Canadian national standard, CSA R117:24, designed to improve consistency in the definition, measurement and reporting of plastic recycling. Developed with the support of the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), the standard brings greater clarity to the circularity of plastics by establishing a standardized framework and consistent definitions for various recycling methods, tracking and measurement.

        Standard Contents

         Definition: The standard clearly states that recycling refers to the processing of waste into secondary materials for the manufacture of new products, excluding reuse and any process for the manufacture of fuels, such as waste to energy (WTE).

        Measurement: The standard provides detailed measurement methods to ensure data accuracy and consistency in the plastic recycling process.

        Reporting: The standard specifies reporting requirements for plastic recycling to enable better decision-making by participants throughout the supply chain.

        Standard Significance

        Increasing Transparency: Through standardized definitions and measurement methods, the CSA R117:24 standard helps to increase transparency in the plastic recycling process, allowing stakeholders to have a clearer understanding of the actual effects of plastic recycling.

        Support decision-making: The standard provides a unified reference framework for all links in the supply chain, helping companies and governments make more informed decisions and promote the development of the plastic recycling industry.

        Promote sustainable development: The implementation of the standard will promote the standardization and standardization of the plastic recycling industry, reduce plastic pollution, and promote sustainable development.

        Public Comment: CSA Group is conducting a 60-day public review and comment period on the draft from January 17 to March 17, 2024 to ensure the broad applicability and scientific soundness of the standard.

        “Standards can play a critical role in plastic recycling,” said Michael Leering, Director of Environmental and Business Excellence at CSA Group. “By establishing a standardized framework and consistent definitions of various recycling methods, tracking and measurement, the circularity of plastics becomes clearer. In turn, this new national standard can help support better decision-making across the supply chain.”