Canada is getting serious about reducing single-use plastic waste, and the promo industry has an opportunity to capitalize.

In June 2022, the Canadian government officially announced the timeline for the three-phase plastic prohibition. The first stage started this week; now, single-use plastic bags, takeout containers, straws, stir sticks and cutlery containing hard-to-recycle plastic materials may no longer be manufactured in Canada or imported into the country for sale. The ban on the manufacture and sale of six-pack rings for cans and bottles will go into effect in June.

By the end of next year, sale of these plastics will be prohibited totally in Canada, and by 2025, they’ll no longer be able to be exported out of the country. “The world must act urgently and concretely to tackle plastic pollution,” says the government’s official notice, “and Canada will continue to be a strong contributor to this effort.”

With the restrictions now going into effect, distributors in Canada have an opportunity to present branded reusable alternatives to end-buyers. Here are several options from Canadian suppliers.

1. Nonwoven totes

Retail stores – especially groceries, farmers markets, pharmacies, convenience stores and takeout restaurants – soon won’t be able to use single-use plastic bags for customers’ purchases. Consider pitching a reusable shopping tote with store branding to local businesses.

Nonwoven polypropylene tote (8040) from Evans Manufacturing Canada (asi/52841)

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2. Stainless-steel straws

Fast food restaurants that frequently give out plastic straws to diners will need alternatives like reusable ones made out of silicone or stainless-steel, or others made of sustainable materials like recycled paper. Eateries can offer reusable ones for sale, and paper iterations are perfect for eco-conscious events.

Collapsible stainless-steel straw (ST101) from Innovation Line Canada (asi/62670)

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3. Wooden stir sticks

In addition to straws, Canadian convenience stores, coffee shops and bars that give out small plastic stir sticks for coffee, tea and mixed drinks will need to find an alternative. Suggest they look to wooden ones with a generous imprint area.

Wooden stir sticks (WDSS) from HPG Canada (asi/48886)

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4. Bamboo cutlery

Take-away restaurants and fundraising event organizers will appreciate reusable utensil sets that make an ideal eco-conscious alternative to single-use forks, knives and spoons. Look to those that come in a branded pouch, so they’re easy to carry.

Bamboo fiber cutlery set (100262) from Gemline Canada (asi/56071)

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5. Food storage bags

Instead of plastic or Styrofoam clamshell containers (which can be difficult to recycle and don’t break down easily in landfills), eateries providing takeout meals and doggie bags for dine-in customers could try a reusable food storage bag instead.

Reusable food bag with plastic slider (2154) from Hit Promotional Products Canada (asi/61126)

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