Canadian businesses are harnessing the economic and environmental power of reusable solutions.
VANCOUVER, BC, Dec. 3, 2024 – New case study research from the National Zero Waste Council demonstrates that reuse systems can be better for the environment than single-use models and carry economic potential as Canadian businesses capitalize on consumer desire for reusable packaging.
“We’re seeing that reuse systems are both practically feasible and economically viable,” said Craig Hodge, Chair of the National Zero Waste Council. “Consumers are increasingly seeking reusable alternatives, and governments at all levels are reevaluating their procurement policies and waste reduction strategies. Today, Canadian businesses have incredible opportunities if they can meet this growing demand.”
From stadiums and shopping centres to the home kitchen, consumers are embracing businesses that make reuse convenient and accessible. Companies like Friendlier, Soapstand, CHEP, TURN, and Fresh Prep prove that reusable packaging systems not only reduce waste but can offer long-term cost savings for both businesses and consumers, which is particularly relevant as households look to manage expenses during the holiday season.
“As consumers increasingly seek alternatives to single-use items and overconsumption, these case studies provide a guide for businesses looking to capitalize on the growing reuse economy,” said Pete Fry, Chair of NZWC’s Reuse Working Group. “We hope to inspire policymakers who are looking to achieve waste-reduction targets and better manage costs through government procurement policies.”
Key findings show that reuse systems can:
- Reduce waste management costs
- Create new revenue opportunities
- Significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to disposable, compostable, and recyclable single-use items
- Meet growing consumer demand for reusable solutions
- Help organizations position themselves as leaders in the circular economy
Successful implementations highlighted in the case studies include Friendlier’s reusable container program, which has helped over 200 food service locations eliminate single-use packaging and save 200,000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions since 2019. Meanwhile, meal kit provider Fresh Prep has responded to consumer demand by introducing zero waste kits at no extra charge, addressing the 68 per cent of customers who cite excessive packaging as their reason for abandoning traditional meal kit services.
On the business-to-business front, CHEP’s circular supply network for pallets serves manufacturers and retailers, and in 2023 alone prevented 1.2 million tonnes of waste.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s recent report on reuse, transitioning from single-use to reuse models could cut the amount of plastic that makes its way into the ocean by over 20 per cent by 2040.
The National Zero Waste Council case studies are available here.
Reuse Systems: Grassroots Initiatives Critical, But Scale and Standardization Are Needed
From our perspective, the National Zero Waste Council’s latest case study highlights the significant rise of grassroots and local reusable packaging system initiatives taking place worldwide. Over the past decade, many companies have entered the reusable packaging space, driven by increasing environmental awareness and consumer demand for sustainable practices. These local efforts complement established B2B models like CHEP, creating a diverse and resilient ecosystem of reusable solutions that cater to various market needs.
Grassroots and local initiatives play a crucial role in the reusable packaging transformation by introducing innovative and adaptable packaging options tailored to specific community and industry requirements. Small businesses and startups are leading the charge with creative solutions, such as reusable containers for food services and customizable packaging for retail, which address unique logistical challenges and consumer preferences.
This bottom-up approach fosters flexibility and innovation, enabling more effective adoption of sustainable practices across different sectors.
The grassroots trend is a positive one for those reasons, but the scaling of such solutions to applications beyond local service applications will be challenging. To this point, collaboration between initiatives or consolidation is crucial. As I noted in a previous article, The Dog Days of Nascent B2C Reusable Packaging Systems:
The broader issue is that many attempts at reusable packaging struggle due to the lack of a unified system. Currently, businesses often choose between multiple competing reusable initiatives or opt to create a proprietary program.
This approach results in a variety of incompatible containers and inefficiencies in the systems used for collecting, washing, and redistributing them. The expense of maintaining numerous distinct systems can prevent businesses from achieving economies of scale, making reusable options less economically viable.
Brands want to stand out from the pack, but a plethora of brand solutions prevents the standardization needed to make reuse a broad-based success. Message to brands: embrace the customer experience about what is in the container and how it is presented instead of the container itself.
To reiterate, local programs are important, but a lack of standardization will limit their potential.
About the National Zero Waste Council
The National Zero Waste Council, an initiative of Metro Vancouver, is leading Canada’s transition to a circular economy by bringing together governments, businesses and NGOs to advance a waste prevention agenda that maximizes economic opportunities for the benefit of all Canadians. The Council has been leading on waste prevention since 2012 through changes in policy and behaviour, as well as the adoption of best practices.
SOURCE National Zero Waste Council
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
