About the Guide

To support both internal and external engagement in advancing the recyclability of flexible plastic packaging and films in Canada, this guide offers practical insights and guidance on design and manufacturing pathways. It focuses on transitioning from complex, multi-material flexible packaging to more recyclable mono-material polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) alternatives—where and when it is feasible.

What’s Inside: 

• Key considerations for transitioning from multi-material to mono-material flexible plastic packaging.
• Pathways to adopting mono-material structures, including challenges and trade-offs.
• Overview of key polymers, their properties, and compatibility with mechanical recycling.
• Examples of recyclable mono-material packaging designs.
• Additional resources and supporting information to guide decision-making.

This Guidance was developed by the Canada Plastics Pact’s Flexibles Working Group.

Supplementary Technical Guidance

A Supplementary Technical Guidance document was developed as a tool to support improved recyclability of flexible plastic packaging and films in Canada. It builds on insights from a series of technical workshops co-hosted by the U.S. and Canada Plastics Pacts in 2024, which explored innovation pathways for flexible packaging formats and addressed technical challenges related to transitioning to mono-material structures.

This Supplementary Technical Guidance document showcases real-world examples of mono-material PE and PP flexible packaging formats across various food and non-food applications that have traditionally been challenging to convert. Drawing from innovations presented during technical workshops by manufacturers and converters, this document highlights that transitioning to mono-material PE and PP is increasingly viable across most product categories. Advancements in flexible packaging design, film structures, and barrier layer technologies are unlocking new opportunities for conversion.