As part ofthe Écoemballage+ call for projects launched by the Quebec Sustainable Development Action Fund (FAQDD),the initiative led by Comité 21 and its experts aims to equip Quebec’s food processing companies to integrate best practices in eco-design in the context of modernizing curbside recycling, in regards to extended producer responsibility (EPR), and increasing regulatory pressures.
With the modernization of the curbside recycling system, the new system will be managed by the designated management organization appointed by RECYC-QUÉBEC—Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ)—starting January 1, 2025. Companies subject to EPR must now financially and operationally support the entire value chain: collection, transportation, sorting, processing, recycling, and ultimately, product end-use.
Businesses marketing national and private label brands must comply with new regulations requiring packaging and containers to be recyclable and made of recycled materials—ensuring the recycling system becomes more effective by increasing recovery and recycling rates to meet government targets.
The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has taken the initiative to launch grants programs for food processing companies to help them shift toward using recyclable and recycled packaging and containers. These programs aim to train companies in eco-design and provide individualized or group-based support to embolden action.
The goal is to raise awareness among 250 companies, train 75 of them, and individually support over ten businesses in addressing their specific challenges. Thefollowing presentation outlines the training and support offer. The project is funded 75% by the FAQDD and MAPAQ.
ÉCOEMBALLAGE + TRAINING PROJECT
Mobilizing Quebec Bio food Companies to Shift Toward Eco-Design
These grants programs are managed, by the FAQDD and provide companies with access to experts who have advanced knowledge in regulatory compliance, eco-design, andcircular economy.
With support from Comité 21’s, expert advisors, these professionals help demystify packaging decisions for food processors, reducing environmental impact while enhancing consumer engagement.
Inparallel, ITEGA (Institute of Packaging Technology and Food Engineering) will offer hands-on activities focused on optimizing food packaging. Comité 21 Québec has aligned its activities with ITEGA to ensure that companies can benefit from both programs. Since the topics are complementary, schedules are coordinated so that the same companies can participate in both if desired. Each program will reference the other to highlight the practical activities available to companies aiming to adopt eco-design principles.
The eco-design training presented here is intended for all food processing companies. This tailored support is considered essential for implementing best practices in selecting high-performance, recyclable, and recycled packaging and containers in the modernized curbside recycling system.
A PROJECT ALIGNED WITH QUEBEC’S STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Our initiative directly supports the objectives of the FAQDD by:
Helping companies subject to EPR comply with recycling and packaging regulations;
Strengthening the circular economy through sustainable packaging choices and optimized eco-design practices;
Empowering companies to make sustainable decisions via knowledge and expertise transfer.
In collaboration with Quebec’s bio food industry working groups, this project offers a concrete and tailored solution to help bio food SMEs enhance their competitiveness while meeting Quebec’s environmental commitments.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS AND COMPETITIVENESS
In a rapidly evolving bi food landscape, the Écoemballage+program offers a strategic opportunity to create value for Quebeccompanies.
Optimizing Regulatory Costs
As of January 1, 2025, Quebec’s modernized curbside recycling system will significantly increase EPR contributions. According to Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ), these costs will rise from $343 million in 2024 to over $800 million in 2025, an increase of over 130%.
Eco-design can substantially reduce these costs through rate modulation. Awell-executed eco-design approach can result in a 15–25% reduction in EPR contributions, while also lowering packaging material sourcing costs.
Developing Export Markets
The European Union now enforces strict eco-design requirements for market access toits 450 million consumers. The Single-Use Plastics Directive and the Digital Product Passport impose higher sustainability standards. The Écoemballage+ program helps Quebec businesses anticipate these requirements and position themselves strategically. Participants receive targeted support to understand and integrate these standards, opening up new international growth opportunities.
Competitive Advantage into the Local Market
Quebec consumers are increasingly sensitive to the environmental impact of products. 83%of them prefer businesses involved in the circular economy.
Adoptingeco-design practices early helps companies to:
Strengthen their brand image and build customer loyalty;
Stand out from international competitors;
Anticipate future market demands;
Develop a first-mover advantage in meeting new industry standards.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRAINING PROGRAM?
Our program offers an integrated approach that transforms regulatory constraints in to development opportunities. With personalized analysis and targeted support, Québec companies can:
Reduce regulatory costs with eco-design strategies;
Prepare effectively for international standards, particularly in Europe;
Boost their competitiveness in strategic markets while meeting consumer expectation
A STRUCTURED THREE-STAGE APPROACH
Stage 1: Regional Awareness Tour
In collaboration with partners in the bio food sector, we will tour six regionsof Quebec (Northern Quebec – North of the 49th parallel, Montreal –Laurentians – Montérégie, Quebec – Saguenay – Charlevoix, Estrie –Centre-du-Québec, Outaouais – Mont-Laurier) to engage 250 bio food companies.
Objectives:
Present the principles of eco-design and opportunities linked to the circular economy;
Explain new EPR requirements and regulatory impacts (Bill C-59, single-use plastic bans);
Mobilize businesses to joinregional training cohorts.
Sessions will include interactive tools like diagnostic questionnaires and an introduction to available financial assistance from FAQDD and MAPAQ.
Stage 2: In-Depth Eco-Design Training
12-hour training program (6 modules of 2 hours each)
75companies will take part in a structured training program covering:
Regulatory compliance and Quebec infrastructure;
Materials optimization and end-of-life product management;
Sustainable communication and greenwashing prevention.
Thistraining, subsidized up to 75%, will be offered at low cost to participating businesses.
Objectives:
Empower participants in sustainable decision-making;
Facilitate collaboration between businesses and key players in Quebec’s ecosystem;
Deepen understanding of eco-design and sustainability issues;
Improve awareness of ESG criteria and their application in eco-design;
Promote circular economy principles and responsible communication standards.
Stage 3: Personalized Support
Individualized support will help integrate eco-design principles into company processes. Experts will deliver tailored solutions that meet each company’s specific needs, aligned with best practices in circular economy.
This support, subsidized up to 75%, will cost companies only 25% of thetotal.
Objective:
Help companies make informed decisions and implement a concrete eco-designand responsible communication project that supports their circular economygoals.
Detailed Training Content
RegionalTour
12-hourtraining session
Coaching 2-hour training session
Goals of the Regional Tour:
Raise awareness among 250 Quebec bio food companies about the principles and practices of eco-design for packaging and containers.
This tour also aims to engage 75 companies to join an in-depth 12-hour training, providing them with all necessary information (regulatory context, steps to undertake, technical solutions,financial assistance, etc.) in order to make informed decisions and effectivelystart taking action.
Educational Intentions:
Raise awareness of key eco-designprinciples: Understand the environmental and economic issues related tosustainable packaging choices.
Clarify regulatory obligations: Provide a clear view of the requirements related to the modernization ofselective collection and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Strengthen companies’self-assessment capabilities: Equip participants to evaluate their currentstatus, identify priorities, and needs.
Mobilize for a collective trainingapproach: Encourage regional collaboration to maximize the benefits of thetraining.
Topics Covered:
1. Introductionand Context Setting:
Understand the opportunities offeredby eco-design within a circular economy framework.
Identify the impacts of new regulatory requirements on companies.
2. Initial Diagnosis:
Use interactive tools to assess the maturity of current eco-design practices.
3. Overviewof Available Supports:
Highlight local infrastructures and potential partnerships for sorting,recycling, and sourcing.
4. Presentationof Regional Resources:
Highlight local infrastructures and potential partnerships for sorting,recycling, and sourcing.
5. Callto Action:
Encourage joining regional cohorts and explain the steps to integrate the12-hour training program.
DETAILED TRAINING CONTENT
Step 1: Regional Awareness Tour – 2-hour Training
Goals of the tour:
Raise awareness among 250 Quebec agri-food companies about the principles and practices of eco-design for packaging and containers.
Thist our also aims to engage 75 companies to join an in-depth 12-hour training, providing them with all necessary information(regulatory context, steps to undertake, technical solutions, financialassistance, etc.) in order to make informed decisions and effectively starttaking action.
Educational Intentions:
Raise awareness of key eco-design principles: Understand theenvironmental and economic issues related to sustainable packaging choices.
Clarify regulatory obligations: Provide a clear view of the requirementsrelated to the modernization of selective collection and EPR.
Strengthen companies’ self-assessment capabilities: Equip participantsto evaluate their current status, identify priorities, and needs.
Mobilize for a collective training approach: Encourage regionalcollaboration to maximize the benefits of the training.
Topics Covered:
1. Introduction and Context Setting:
Understand the opportunities offered by eco-design within a circular economy framework.
Identify theimpacts of new regulatory requirements on companies.
2. Initial Diagnosis:
Use interactive tools to assess the maturity of current eco-design practices.
3. Overview of Available Supports:
Highlight local infrastructures and potential partnerships for sorting,recycling, and Call to Action:
Encourage joining regional cohorts and explain the steps to integrate the12-hour training program.
4. Presentation of Regional Resources:
Highlight local infrastructures and potential partnerships for sorting,recycling, and sourcing.
5. Call to Action:
Encourage participation in the regional cohorts and explain the steps to join the 12-hour training program.
Materials and Tools Provided:
Visual aids:
Concise slideshow including:
Challenges and benefits of eco-design
Overview of training modules;
Presentation of costs and available subsidies.
Documents avalable:
Concise slideshow;
Brochure detailing modules andfinancial aids (MAPAQ, FAQDD – ECOMEMBALLE+ Program – Eco-design Training Component);
Practical guide for administrative steps related to subsidies;
Summary of aggregated questionnaire results (anonymized).
Interactive Tool:
Self-assessment questionnaire for use during or after the session.
Step 2: 12-hour Training (6 modules of 2 hours)
Goals of the training:
This program aims to equip agri-food transformation companies with the skills necessary to integrate eco-design into their practices, improve competitiveness, and meet regulatory and environmental requirements.
Objectives :
Reducing the environmental impact of packaging and products;
Raising awareness of circular economy principles;
Improving communication practicesabout sustainability.
Educational Intentions:
The program relies on approaches promoting collaborative learning, criticalanalysis, and practical application of knowledge. It encourages :
Learner autonomy in making sustainable decisions;
Collaboration between companies andkey actors in the Quebec ecosystem;
A deep understanding of issues related to eco-design and sustainability.
Description of the 6 modules:
Module 1 – Regulatory Compliance and Quebec Infrastructures: Understand regulatory frameworks and their implications on the value chain.
Module 2 – Financial Aids and Cost Management: Identify available subsidies and plan an optimized budget.
Module 3 – Introduction to Eco-designPrinciples and Techniques: Apply eco-design basics to reduce environmental impact.
Module 4 – Material Choice and DesignOptimization (Eco-modulation): Select sustainable materials and reduce their impact.
Module 5 – End-of-Life Product Management: Develop strategies for recycling, reuse, and recovery.
Module 6 – Communication and ConsumerAwareness: Develop adapted campaigns and prevent greenwashing.
TRAINING CLOSURE – CONFERENCE
Future trends and innovative technologies in eco-design
90-minute videoconference – 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Skills translated into best practises:
Learner autonomy in making sustainable decisions;
Collaboration between companies andkey actors in the Quebec ecosystem;
A deep understanding of issues related to eco-design and sustainability.
Skill elements:
Analyzee merging trends;
Propose prospective scenarios;
Collaborate with suppliers, converters.
Competency Matrix
Module: Analyze the regulatory framework and Quebec infrastructures
Skills translated into behavior:
Know how to identify Quebec regulatory obligations, assess their financial, operational, and material impact on eco-design practices, and propose compliant adaptation strategies.
Skill elements:
Identifylegal obligations;
Understand Quebec’s sorting and recycling ecosystem;
Implement compliance strategies;
Understand international regulatory frameworks.
Module: Financial Aids and Cost Management
Skills translated into behavior:
Know how to identify and evaluate available financial aids and optimize cost management for eco-design projects.
Skill elements
Identify available financial grants programs;
Analyze eco-design related costs;
Planan optimized budget.
Module: Introduction to Eco-design Principlesand Techniques
Skills translated into behavior:
Know how to apply fundamental eco-design principles to reduce the environmental impact of products.
Skill elements:
Understand fundamental principles;
Applyeco-design techniques;
Evaluate impacts;
Work collaboratively with stakeholders.
Module: Material Choice and Design Optimization(Eco-modulation)
Skills translated into behavior:
Know how to select and optimize materials by applying eco-modulation principles to reduce environmental impact.
Skill elements:
Analyze material properties;
Optimize design;
Collaborate with suppliers.
Module: End-of-Life Product Management
Skills translated into behavior:
Know how to develop strategies formanaging product end of usage, end-of-life, including recycling, reuse, and recovery.
Skill elements:
Map recycling options;
Propose reuse solutions;
Assess feasibility of options.
Module: Communication and Consumer Awareness
Skills translated into behavior:
Know how to develop compliantcommunication strategies to raise consumer awareness on sustainable practices.
Skill elements:
Create adapted campaigns;
Understand and identify greenwashing;
Know reputational and regulatory risks;
Implement strategies;
Collaborate with stakeholders;
Measure communication impact.
HARMONIZATION
This training program takes place in a dynamic regulatory and operational context, aiming to support agri-food companies in transitioning to eco-designed packaging. Particular focus is given to:
Extended Producer Responsibility(EPR): Understand the implications for Quebec companies in managing residual materials, including the role of Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) and the financial, operational, and material impact of EPR;
Quebec sorting and recycling ecosystem: Identify local infrastructures, sorting centers,packagers/recyclers, and challenges related to selective collection and recycling of composite and complex packaging and containers;
Bill C-59 and environmental claims: Master new requirements from Bill C-59, which strengthens provisions of the Competition Act regarding environmental communications and labeling;
Regulation banning single-useplastics: Know and apply federal requirements prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of certain single-use plastic products and items;
Export constraints and alignmentwith European regulations: Adapt practices to meet European Union requirements such as the Single-Use Plastics Regulation, the Green Deal, and sustainable design criteria (digital passport);
Quebec’s strategic orientations suchas the "Strategy for the Reduction and Responsible Management of Plasticsin Quebec" (under development).
EXPERTS ANDTRAINERS
Marina Pietrosel: Expertise in EPR compliance, eco-packaging design, material changes, and innovation.
Marie Horodocki-Aymes: Expertise in sustainable marketing and responsible innovation.
Lorraine Simard: Expertise in ESG, circular economy, and responsible communication.
