About the Report

Canada lacks the systems-level data and infrastructure needed to take decisive, strategic action to prevent and reduce plastic packaging waste and pollution. Without strong, standardized data, it’s difficult to track plastics across waste streams, pinpoint where interventions are most needed, and drive real progress toward a circular economy.

This report explores the critical gaps Canada faces—limited data accessibility, availability, and adequacy—and outlines why building better data systems is essential for meeting our zero plastic waste goals. It calls for collective action from leaders across the plastics value chain to strengthen transparency, improve infrastructure, and support evidence-based solutions.

What’s Inside: 

• An overview of current challenges with plastic packaging data collection in Canada.
• A breakdown of the three major gaps: accessibility, availability, and adequacy.
• Insights on why better data is key to achieving a circular economy for plastics.
• The case for a coordinated, systems-level approach to improve data flow and transparency.
• Opportunities for stakeholders to lead and support solutions across the plastics value chain.

This report was researched and written by Policy Integrity, Avaanz, Lichens, and JTL Squared Consulting and led by the Canada Plastics Pact’s Data & Reporting Working Group.