Plastics Industry Association Says Canadian Plastic Ban Will Kill Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) today said that new Canadian government regulations banning the manufacturing, sale and export of six categories of plastic manufactured items will result in economic hardship on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.

“While not unexpected, it is disappointing nonetheless. The disregard for manufacturing jobs on both sides of the border is alarming,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “The lack of a comprehensive economic analysis in imposing such sweeping regulations is really frustrating. There will be plastics companies that have to cut jobs or outright close facilities because of this action."

He went on to stress that the plastics industry in both the U.S. and Canada shares the Canadian government’s commitment to keeping plastic out of the environment. “Our members never want to see one of their products end up where it doesn’t belong,” Seaholm said. “But while banning a product will certainly make it go away, replacing it with an alternative that is likely to have a bigger impact on the environment is wholly counterproductive.”

Adding that the regulations ignore innovations that have proven the viability of large-scale recycling, Seaholm said, “Banning these products will increase costs to businesses and consumers in the U.S. and Canada, while doing nothing to significantly reduce litter or waste.”

Seaholm suggested the Canadian government delay the implementation of these bans and partner with the U.S. and Canadian plastics industries on better solutions. “Banning products is easy, and politically expedient,” he said. “Building a circular economy with robust sustainable materials management will take work and collaboration, but it will protect both jobs and the environment. Our industry stands ready to do the hard work with you.”