Plastics reduction is truly a global challenge. We know that plastics also have a role to play, if they are properly and appropriately managed.
We think that Canada is well-positioned, thanks to its recycling infrastructure, to accept the challenge. From retailers' point of view, we support plastics management through the three Rs hierarchy: first, prevention through reduction, then repurposing and reuse, and then recycling. Following that would be compostables. Finally, there is the landfill, which is the last resort.
Plastics are recognized for their light weight and light look, which means that many businesses will use them. That also may lead to a better GHG balance for their transportation, since they are lighter. However, their weight and their small size create their own set of challenges in the sorting and recycling stages.
Although most types of plastics are recyclable, and despite recent innovations—including in molecular recycling—as my two colleagues were saying earlier, there are various opportunities to improve the recyclability of the most problematic categories, such as polystyrene. The fact remains that for us, retailers, plastics help both extend the life of fresh foods, as Mr. Downham mentioned earlier, and meet the food safety standards, which involve very clear restrictions in terms of materials.
The consumer also really plays a key role here. If the consumer does not participate, nothing works. So it may be worthwhile to launch an education and awareness campaign for Canadians based on the science concerning plastics in order to rebalance perceptions by highlighting considerations such as the benefits and properties of those materials.