CSA Group’s recent survey revealed that 81 percent of Canadian business leaders believe there should be a more consistent framework for plastics recycling. Establishing common definitions of plastics recycling is a critical part of such a framework. Without standardized definitions, measuring, reporting, verifying, and comparing recycling outcomes and compliance with the set targets and policies is difficult. The new National Standard of Canada, CSA R117:24, Plastics recycling: Definitions, measuring, and reporting, aims to help overcome this barrier.

In a recent podcast with Michael Leering, Director of Environment and Business Excellence at CSA Group, we discuss how this standard brings more clarity, accuracy, and transparency to recycling processes and operations and supports the industry and policymakers in adopting more sustainable circular practices.

The podcast highlights the standard’s guidance on:

• where recycled plastics should be measured
• how to calculate plastic recycling rates
• what metadata should be reported alongside any published data on plastic recycling or plastic recycling rates

Tune in to the podcast to learn how CSA R117:24 can help improve recycling outcomes, create a more stable recycled plastics market, and enable collaboration among all plastics value chain participants.