60-day public comment period on the socio-economic and environmental study on remanufacturing and other value-retention processes in Canada
Comments on: Environmental and socio-economic study on remanufacturing and other value-retention processes in Canada
Open - accepting input
2021-06-29
2021-08-30

From: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Current status: Open

Opened on June 29, 2021 and will close to new input on August 30, 2021.

We are seeking feedback on the 2021 socio-economic and environmental study on remanufacturing and other value-retention processes – VRPs – (such as refurbishment, repair and reuse) as well as ideas and input on designing a national strategy to encourage VRPs in Canada.

Background

To facilitate the transition to a circular economy, the Government of Canada is implementing a comprehensive zero plastic waste agenda to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment. As part of this agenda and the implementation of the Canada-wide Strategy and Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste, we will develop a national strategy to encourage the remanufacturing of products, including plastic products, and other VRPs in Canada. The strategy would aim to reduce the number of products, including plastic products, ending up in landfills, increase the reuse of materials, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate socio-economic benefits for Canadians.

The 2021 socio-economic and environmental study on remanufacturing and other value-retention processes in Canada is the first step towards the development of a national strategy. The study provides baseline data on VRPs in Canada, and evaluates the benefits and challenges of increasing VRPs in our country. While proposing policy options to take advantage of and promote the many opportunities presented by VRPs expansion, the study offers a more in-depth view of six industry sectors with a high potential for VRPs:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Heavy-duty and off-road equipment
  • Electronics
  • Home appliances
  • Furniture

The objective of this first comment period is to gather feedback on the findings of the study as well as to solicit preliminary ideas on elements that could be considered as part of a national strategy. The comments received will help inform the development of a subsequent discussion paper, which will outline ECCC’s proposals for a national strategy on VRPs. For more information on the key steps leading to a national strategy, please visit the page Retaining product value in a circular economy.

Join in: how to participate

We invite you to read the executive summary, as well as the socio-economic and environmental study on remanufacturing and other value-retention processes in Canada, consult the guiding questions below and submit your comments:

  • By email to ec.produits-products.ec@canada.ca. Please write “Comments on VRP study” in the subject line.
  • By mail:
    Products Division
    Environment and Climate Change Canada
    351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard, 9th floor
    Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

To learn how we will protect your privacy during this consultation, please review our privacy statement.

Who is the focus of this consultation

We would like to hear from:

  • industry stakeholders and association members
  • provincial, territorial and local governments
  • academic institutions and experts
  • Indigenous groups
  • non-governmental organizations
  • the general public

Key questions for discussion

We would like to hear from you! Your input and feedback on the findings of the study as well as preliminary ideas for the national strategy are welcomed regarding, but not limited to, the topics below. Please note that these questions are meant as suggestions to help guide your reflections. 

  1. Study: Industry sectors overview
    • Do you agree with the description of each sector? Please explain.
    • Have the main barriers and opportunities been identified for each sector? Please explain.
    • Are you aware of other industry sectors in Canada with a high potential for remanufacturing or other VRPs?
    • Is there additional information that should be considered?
     
  2. Study: Socio-economic and environmental analyses
    • Do you agree with the identified projections (for job creation, revenues, greenhouse gas emissions, material savings and plastic savings)? Is there additional information that should be considered?
    • Do you have any additional information on the fate of plastics in VRPs such as remanufacturing and refurbishing (e.g., how much is reused, sent to recycling or discarded during the process, is it a consideration in the process, etc.)?
    • Do you have any additional information on the gaps in current knowledge and research related to VRPs and their implementation identified in section 15 of the study?
     
  3. Study: Proposed policy options
    • Actions proposed in sections 13 and 14 of the study are meant to encourage the remanufacturing of products and other VRPs in Canada. Do they seem feasible and attainable?
    • What do you think of the top 10 priority actions and the 4 priority sectors identified in section 16 of the study?
    • Which policy option(s)/action(s) proposed in the study should be prioritized by ECCC, and why?
    • Are there other practices or actions that could be implemented by ECCC to alleviate barriers and help encourage VRPs in Canada?
     
  4. Towards a national strategy
    • The national strategy would aim to encourage the remanufacturing of products and other VRPs in Canada. How could ECCC support that goal (e.g. focus on specific industry sectors or product types, improve education and knowledge transfer, develop public procurement requirements, foster collaboration and partnerships with key actors, etc.)?
    • Does your industry or business have, or plan to have, a policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? If so, does it include remanufacturing or other VRPs as a strategy? Why, or why not?
    • Does your industry or business have, or plan to have, a policy to reduce plastic waste and pollution? If so, does it include remanufacturing or other VRPs as a strategy? Why, or why not?
    • Do you know of any existing initiatives underway in Canadian provinces, territories or regions to encourage remanufacturing and other VRPs that ECCC could build upon or support? If so, what are they?
    • What are the advantages (i.e. the value proposition) to pursue VRPs for your industry / enterprise? (e.g., supply chain stability, new revenue streams, greater brand recognition, etc.)
    • How would you recommend that ECCC support the uptake of VRPs by Canadian industries and businesses?
    • How can ECCC encourage Canadians to acquire remanufactured and refurbished products?
    • How can ECCC help increase the reuse and repair of products by Canadians?

Related information

Contact us

Products Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St. Joseph Blvd
Gatineau QC K1A OH3
Telephone: 1-888-391-3426 (toll free) or 819-938-4483
Email: ec.produits-products.ec@canada.ca