StewardChoice Enterprises Inc. launches in Ontario and joins the conversation about advancing recycling of products and packaging across the province.

“We are here to discuss the need for competition and the benefits to producers,” says Ken Friesen, Director of StewardChoice. “Providing a competitive market should be a basic and fundamental approach to establishing a new waste reduction framework in Ontario.”

This comes just eight months after their announcement to launch a Printed Paper and Packaging (PPP) compliance service in British Columbia, an alternative choice for producers to meet their obligations under the BC Recycling Regulation. Currently in BC, only one PPP compliance scheme exists; limiting options for producers to realize competitive pricing and flexible services. This monopolistic and rigid regime in British Columbia has caused and continues to cause shock over high costs among producers and confusion for stakeholders. Meanwhile, StewardChoice awaits approval by the BC Ministry of Environment.

“Some producers in BC have embraced the idea of choice in the marketplace because it raises the level of service; spurs innovation and collaboration across the supply chain; increases valuable material collection and waste diversion across the province; and minimizes the cost burden for producers and consumers,” says Friesen. “We see no reason why these unique and unparalleled services could not be offered to producers facing similar regulations in Ontario.”

On September 24, 2014, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change received a mandate letter from the office of the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, indicating that the Ministry will work with key stakeholders towards the objective of re-introducing waste reduction legislation that is consistent with the Waste Reduction Strategy.

“We are hoping to develop a compliance platform that is specifically designed for producers and consistent with the public policy objectives of the Ministry,” says Mustan Lalani, Manager of Sales and Strategy for StewardChoice. “I look forward to meeting with obligated producers in the coming weeks to introduce them to the StewardChoice conceptual model and how we can fulfill their compliance requirements in a unique and cost effective manner. We strongly believe that producers should have the ability to choose a preferred service when determining how to meet their regulatory obligations in British Columbia and Ontario.”

Ken Friesen, Director of StewardChoice, will be speaking about competition for producers at the annual Recycling Council of Ontario Conference, “Progressing EPR in Ontario: Moving Towards a Circular Economy” this Friday at the Old Mill Toronto. As consultations are set to begin over the next few months, StewardChoice welcomes the opportunity to participate and provide their perspectives.

About StewardChoice Enterprises

StewardChoice Enterprises Inc. is a subsidiary of Reclay StewardEdge, a national organization and a North American leader providing packaging stewardship solutions to consumer product goods organizations. Further information can be found at www.stewardchoice.ca.