Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has launched a significant consultation process to review a proposed roadmap for addressing plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector. Companies should note that synthetic fibres are considered plastic, and are the focus of this discussion.
The consultation was launched on July 4, 2024 and ECCC will host a webinar on the subject July 15, 2024.
As a department ECCC has an ambitious goal of zero plastic waste – where plastics (including synthetic fibres used in textiles and apparel) stay in the economy and out of the environment.
As the consultation document demonstrates these are complex global issues and there is a considerable range of options and approaches. There are also major technology hurdles and practical constraints in terms of how to address these issues. Many piecemeal projects have been undertaken, but substantial challenges remain.
Consultation
A formal consultation was launched on July 4, 2024.
The deadline for comments is September 1, 2024.
The consultation documents are available online:
Ideas and input are being sought around the following themes/topics:
- Determining and quantifying the sources of textiles and apparel waste and pollution
- Extending the life of a textile or apparel product (e.g., durability, reuse, repair)
- Textile and apparel waste management
- Limited textile and apparel recycling in Canada
- Microfibre pollution
Webinar
If you wish to attend a webinar regarding this consultation July 15th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 (Eastern time):
- Download and complete the the registration form
- Email the completed form to plastiques-plastics@ec.gc.ca Please include “Consultation – addressing plastic waste and pollution from the textile and apparel sector” in the subject line of your email.
This is a significant consultation and we encourage members, especially those whose products contain synthetic fibres, to participate. CAF will be preparing remarks based on member/industry input following the webinar.
For background on this or other ECCC initiatives, contact Bob Kirke, CAF Executive Director at bkirke@apparel.ca.