Canada Launches BiblioFlex Initiative to Advance Flexible Plastic Packaging Recycling

A new initiative aimed at improving the recycling of flexible plastic packaging across Canada has been launched by the Circular Plastics Taskforce (CPT), Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ), and Recycle BC. The program, named BiblioFlex, will focus on enhancing the understanding of the composition and market dynamics of flexible plastic packaging, a growing challenge for the nation's recycling systems, according to information released by the organization.

As Canada’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs expand, the need for more detailed data on the materials being collected has become increasingly critical. The organizations say that the BiblioFlex initiative will integrate scientific analysis with industry insights, providing a comprehensive look at the composition of flexible plastics through laboratory testing and sector-specific characterization. The aim is to create a circular economy where these materials can be more effectively recycled and reused, reducing waste and environmental impact.

“With the expansion of expanded producer responsibility (EPR) across Canada, collection programs have started accepting a wider range of flexible plastic packaging,” says Normand Gadoury, ÉEQ vice president of innovation and infrastructure projects. “Better understanding the specific composition of that stream is therefore more relevant than ever.” 

The initiative is set to begin testing by the end of 2025, with the first results expected by summer 2026, according to the report.

Marie-Anne Champoux-Guimond, co-chair of CPT’s board of directors, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting, “This project marks an important milestone in our national expansion strategy and will strengthen our collective understanding of a family of packaging that represents roughly half of all plastic packaging generated in the country.” 

BiblioFlex will be carried out through two regional hubs in Quebec and British Columbia, gathering experts from across Canada, the organizations note. The project’s technical partners and further details on the regional hubs will be announced in early 2026, with updates to be available on the CPT’s website.

Sam Baker, Executive Director of Recycle BC, highlighted the project’s potential to drive innovation, stating, “This project will help identify best practices in design and improve processing capacities to support higher quality recycled materials and stronger end-markets, furthering innovation and collective impact.”

As flexible plastic packaging continues to grow in volume, the BiblioFlex initiative stands to play a key role in shaping Canada’s efforts to create a more sustainable and circular economy.

Source: Éco Entreprises Québec

SUNSHINE Spotlight: The BiblioFlex initiative aims to tackle flexible plastic packaging recycling challenges, working towards a more sustainable solution for one of Canada’s most prevalent packaging materials.