45% of greenhouse gas emissions come from how we make and use products and food⁴. The linear “take-make-waste model” relies on resource extraction and processing, discarding products as waste when no longer needed. Adopting circular economy principles can help preserve energy, labour, and materials embodied in the products and their components. Recycling, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishment, and repair can help lessen the need for raw virgin materials, reduce waste, and limit other adverse environmental impacts.

CSA Group research, standards-based solutions, and other activities support the adoption of value-retention and waste-reduction practices by:

• providing guidance and best practices for management of end-of-life materials
• defining recycling of plastics in the context of the circular economy
• identifying standardization opportunities to encourage participation in repair activities and better repairability of products
• supporting design for recycling
• collaborating with industry stakeholders and governments, including Canada Plastics Pact, Circular Economy Leadership Canada, and National Zero Waste Council.

CSA Group also administers a comprehensive Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Registry that helps organizations communicate the environmental performance of their products and services, from raw material acquisition through production and use to end-of-life.