Single-use Plastic Prohibition Regulations - Plastic Ring Carriers

The Government of Canada has recently published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations (SUPPR) in the Canada Gazette, Part II.  The Regulations officially prohibit the manufacture, import, export, and sale of six single-use plastic items. Of significance to the beverage industry, single-use plastic ring carriers are included in this regulation as one of the six plastic items to be banned.

To allow the industry to adapt to the changes, the Regulations will be implemented on a staggered timeline.  The prohibition of manufacture and import of single-use plastic ring carriers for sale in Canada will come into force one year after registration of the Regulations (June 20, 2023).  The prohibition of the sale of products, including beverage alcohol packaged in single-use plastic ring carriers in Canada will come into force two years after registration of the Regulations (June 20, 2024).

Coming into force of the prohibitions
Single-use plastic ring carriers	Manufacture and import for sale in Canada	Sale	Manufacture, import and sale for export
Coming into force date	June 20, 2023	June 20, 2024	December 20, 2025

LCBO strongly urges suppliers to review the Government of Canada’s announcement and the published regulations to consider the impact of the regulations on their products and processes. Suppliers are reminded that they are responsible for ensuring that products supplied to LCBO comply with all applicable laws.

We are aware that many suppliers are actively working on identifying packaging alternatives that can effectively support the elimination of single-use plastic ring carriers.  To help manufacturers transition away from single-use plastics, the Government of Canada has developed a guidance document outlining important considerations to take into account when selecting alternative products.  LCBO will continue to support the introduction of new packaging alternatives that are aligned with the spirit of sustainability promoted by these regulations and that are effective in an extended, end-to-end supply chain.

Your assistance in sharing this information with your members is greatly appreciated. Inquiries about the regulations or Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) should be directed to ECCC via their website.

Any other inquiries may be directed to the LCBO’s Quality Assurance department. Email quality.assurance@lcbo.com or call (416) 864-6724.