On January 30, 2026, Canada, via the Federal Court of Appeal, validated the government’s authority to list Plastic Manufactured Items (PMI) as toxic, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
This allows the Canadian government to act broadly to address plastics pollution.
For businesses that manufacture, transport, or dispose of plastics, the ruling signals that plastics governance in Canada is entering a new phase where sustainability standards, sustainability claims, operational risk and regulatory compliance come together.
- There will be enhanced reporting requirements on plastics use and recovery
- Product design will be reviewed
- Suppliers will be linked to the process
- Closer scrutiny of high-leakage or low-recovery materials
- Containment and waste management practices will be reviewed
Will this be an opportunity for some?
- Of course.
- Those that ignore will invite fines and lawsuits.
- Those that are proactive and develop a sustainability plan that includes management of toxic materials (inclusive of plastics), will take market share.
If you want to get ahead of this, read this on what you want in a sustainability program, watch this master class, and contact us.