Estimate the functional sustainability and true costs of packaging

For growers and packers, packaging decisions have become more complex now that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is rolling out in key markets in Canada. Ontario legislation, for example, went into force as of January 1, 2026.

The EPR goal is to incentivize users to move to recyclable and sustainable packaging. But the diversity of Canadian-grown commodities means that growers must answer several questions for their individual operations. What factors beyond the EPR fee should be considered in calculating the true cost of packaging? Should you be materials-agnostic? And what to make of the recent federal appeals court decision that supports the government’s position of plastic manufactured items as toxic?  

Here’s where the packaging file stands according to Daniel Duguay, senior director, sustainability for the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA). He points out that regulatory actions are yet to be confirmed as a result of the Court of Appeal decision